Off-Campus Referrals for Students with SHIP

Instructions for Students Residing in California only. 

1. Do you have your UC Irvine/Wellfleet Insurance Card downloaded on your phone?

• Please note that your UC Irvine/ Wellfleet insurance is Blue Shield PPO.
• From your mobile device, computer or tablet: Go to the Wellfleet Student Mobile App to register and view your electronic insurance card

2. Find therapy referrals:

• Set up an account with Welltrack Connect
• Please note you will have to create a login with an email address to access the full functionality of the directory.
• Once logged in to Welltrack Connect and you’re on the search results page, set the drop-down menu “Insurance” to “Blue Shield of CA PPO” and make sure to select “APPLY” at the top right of the drop-down menu to accurately filter results.
• This will refine the results to only show you those therapists that are in-network with your UC Irvine/Wellfleet plan, which is a Blue Shield PPO plan.

3. Contact therapists directly via WELLTRACK CONNECT:

The following is a script you can use as a guide when you message a therapist or if you choose to leave a voicemail with a therapist:

Hi, my name is _______.

I would like to start therapy with you to work on ______.

I am a student from UCI and have Blue Shield of CA PPO insurance (your UC Irvine SHIP insurance).

I am available ______ (Days/Times of day).

My phone number is _______[repeat number twice if leaving a voicemail] and

I will be awaiting your call back within the week.

4. When the therapists call you back, you want to verify:

• They still accept Blue Shield of CA PPO IN-NETWORK (if they speak of a ‘superbill’ or being ‘out-of-network’ this will cost money).
• When you schedule an appointment, obtain their address – including fax number if they have one.

5. Students with UC Irvine SHIP must request an authorization/referral within the Student Health Center (SHC) patient portal to ensure your therapy or psychiatry appointment is covered. The steps are as follows once you have logged in to the SHC My Student Chart:
   • Select “Messages” on the left sidebar > select “New Message” > select “SHC – Insurance Department: Referral Request and Other General Inquires” > select “SHC – Referral Request”. Once the fields are populated click “Submit.” Please allow 1-2 business days for referral processing.

**Please note Authorization/Referral must be obtained in order for your mental health services to be covered with a $0 co-pay**

Additional Information:

• Please note if you want to try a different provider within a group practice you do not need a new authorization. If you pick a new group practice or a new individual provider you will need a new authorization/referral.
• Please make sure your voicemail box is set up and you’re able to retrieve messages.
• Email communication is not confidential. Making a phone call or using encrypted email via Welltrack Connect is a better way to protect your confidentiality.
• If you have further questions about finding a long-term therapist off-campus you are encouraged to contact the Counseling Center main line at (949) 824-6457 and request a Referral and Resource Support appointment for assistance.
•  You can view this instruction video for information on how to find a therapist via the Wellfleet app.

• For urgent matters please call the Counseling Center at (949) 824-6457, and if it’s after hours or on weekends, press option 2 to reach the after-hours crisis line. For emergencies, call 911 or the UCI Campus Police at (949) 824-5223.