Director's Corner: Frances Diaz, Psy.D.

Frances Diaz, Psy.D.

Dear UCI Students,

In light of recent information that has recently come down from Chancellor Gillman and the university moving to support the concept of “social distancing” on campus to protect everyone's health the Counseling Center will be moving to remote services until further notice. There will be some changes in the delivery of services and availability of some of our services. We want our Anteater community to know we are committed to providing quality care and services to our students. The Counseling Center continues to work with campus, local, state, and national agencies as the COVID-19 situation continues to evolve. We want to make clients aware that with the rapid evolving situation things are constantly changing and fluctuating. Please note that this may impact service delivery in regards to modality and availability of services. We will continue to keep our clients and the campus community apprised of changes. 

Counseling Center Operations are currently as follows: 


During business hours (Monday through Friday 8am-5pm) to schedule routine appointments, urgent care, and all other inquiries

  • Leave a message by calling (949) 824-6457.
  • Your call will be returned within 2 hours during normal business hours.
  • If you CAN NOT wait to be called back within the 2-hour time frame please call (949) 824-6457 and Select option 2 to speak with a counselor by phone.
For life threatening emergencies
  • Please Call 911
  • Call UCI Campus Police at (949) 824-5223, or
  • Go to your nearest Emergency Room
For urgent concerns when the Counseling Center is closed on Campus/National Holidays or weekends
  • Call (949) 824-6457 and Select option 2 to speak with a counselor by phone.
  • Call National Suicide Prevention Line  at 1-800-273-8255, or
  • Text “Home” to 741741 to reach the Crisis Text Line

For more informatoin on how to manage stress related to the COVID-19 outbreak, please click here. 

Additional Resources:

Frances Diaz- UCI Counseling Center Director 

Mind Your ZOT!

How to take care of yourself in the midst of COVID-19!

Here are some useful tips in the midst of a time of uncertainty which can cause anxiety and stress. 

1. It is normal to feel sad, stressed, confused, scared, or angry during a crises. Talking to people you trust can help. Contact your friends and family. 

2. If you must stay at home, maintain a healthy lifestyle-including proper diet, sleep, exercise, and social contacts with loved ones at home and by email and phone with other family and friends. 

3. Don't use smoking, alcohol, or other drugs to deal with your emotions. If you feel overwhelmed, talk to a health worker or counselor. have a plan, where to go to and how to seek help for physical and mental health needs if required. 

4. Get the facts. Gather information that will help yo uaccurately determine your risk so that you can take reasonable precautions. Find a credible source you can trust such as WHO website, local, and or state public health agency.

5. Limit worry and agitation by lessening the time you and your family spend watching or listening to media coverage that you perceive as upsetting.

6. Draw on skills you have used in the past that have helped you to manage previous life's adversities and use those skills to help you manage your emotions during the challenging time of this outbreak.