Embrace Your Well-Being
Health and wellness resources at UC Santa Cruz
UCSC students have access to a full range of health and wellness resources including counseling, psychiatry, medical care, advocacy services, and more. Innovations like our 24/7 healthcare kiosks, SHOP Talk peer mental health education, and the Campus Mobile Crisis Team (the first of its kind on a University of California campus) are designed to help all students be well.
Becoming a Health Promoting Campus
UCSC adopted the Okanagan Charter on May 13, 2024. This internationally recognized charter provides principles and a vision for well-being in person, place and planet for colleges and universities. By adopting the charter, we have made an institutional commitment to move toward more systems-level strategies that influence the health and well-being of every member of the UCSC community and begin the process of becoming a true Health Promoting Campus.
Learn more about UCSC’s path to becoming a health-promoting campus and how you can get involved on the Well-being Collective website.
Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS)
CAPS supports UCSC students with mental health services including counseling, therapy, psychiatry, groups and workshops, training programs, telehealth, and a mobile crisis team. We can help you learn how to manage stressors, build new skills and increase your confidence, resolve problems, and identify alternatives to help you be successful as a UCSC student.
Center for Advocacy, Resources, & Empowerment (CARE)
CARE serves the UC Santa Cruz community by providing free and confidential support to those impacted by sexual assault, intimate partner/domestic violence, stalking, or sexual harassment. We offer prevention education training and work collaboratively with campus communities to create a culture of respect and empowerment.
Student Health Center
Located across from College Nine and John R. Lewis College, the Student Health Center is staffed by board certified physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and nurses. We offer routine medical appointments, same day care, counseling, psychiatry, nutritional counseling, health promotion programs, x-ray, and full laboratory and pharmacy services on site. All registered students have access to the Student Health Center regardless of insurance plan.
Student Health Outreach & Promotion (SHOP)
SHOP is where students can go to learn about health and wellness in a safe, non-judgmental environment. SHOP offers information, education, resources and support on issues such as alcohol and other drug use, sexually transmitted infections and sexual health, and college life balance. All UCSC students are welcome and encouraged to drop in and speak with SHOP’s trained staff.
Student Health e-Messenger
Health e-Messenger is a secure and confidential way for Student Health Services to communicate to you about your non-urgent healthcare and mental health needs. You can use Health e-Messenger to make appointments, request prescription refills, get your lab results, and more.
Slug Mentor Network
The Slug Mentor program enhances the student experience by linking them one-on-one with a peer mentor. Students learn what to expect in school, how to approach challenges and gain career advice. At the same time, mentors will build their networks and develop skills to become better professionals and leaders.
On the Margins
On the Margins offers virtual coaching sessions for connection and care, focused on anti-racist, equitable, and affirming support. Coaching sessions offer a virtual gathering place where a UC Santa Cruz student and a wellness coach can gather for connection, care, and accompaniment.
