Peer Educator Program

Crisis Care

For Life Threatening Emergencies:

Call 911

Or go to your nearest Emergency Room

_________________________________

For other crisis needs 24/7:

♦   Or 1-866-817-9842

    ♦   Text “Home” to 741741

Kaiser or Medi-Cal

Off-Campus Referrals for Kaiser or Medi-Cal

Kaiser Permanente

In Orange County, dial 714-644-6480, Monday-Friday 8am-5pm to request a therapy and/or psychiatry appointment. They will complete a brief phone screening and assign you an appointment time.

For urgent matters, you can call Kaiser’s 24/7 Crisis Line at (800) 900-3277.

If you have any questions about your copays or plan costs with Kaiser, contact the Financial Counselors at 714-284-6708.

 

Medi-Cal

If your Medi-Cal plan is registered in Orange County, it is operated by CalOptima.

  1. CONTACT CAL OPTIMA: For mental health referrals, you can call CalOptima’s screening hotline at (855)-877-3885.

They will complete a brief phone screening and provide you with at least three referrals

for local therapists.

  1. CONTACT THERAPISTS DIRECTLY:

Be prepared to make calls and leave voicemail messages for several providers.

The following is a phone script you can use as a guide when you contact a therapist:

Hi, my name is _______.

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

I am a university student and have Medi-Cal insurance.

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

My phone number is _______ [repeat your phone number twice] and I will be

awaiting your call back.

 

We suggest you give providers 2-3 business days to call you back.

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

  • They currently accept Medi-Cal insurance.
  • If they are providing teletherapy and/or in person services at this time.
  • Their schedule and availability.
  • You can schedule directly with the therapist or let them know you’ll call them back if you’re unsure.

If you do not hear back:

  • Try calling a second time
  • Try email (please note email is less secure as far as confidentiality is concerned)
  • Move on to other providers.

***Please make sure your voicemail box is setup and you’re able to retrieve messages.***

 

  1. AT YOUR FIRST APPOINTMENT: Expect there to be some intake paperwork (please note that the therapist may send this to you ahead of time).

 

Things to Remember:

  1. If you have Medi-Cal or Kaiser based in a County other than Orange County, or you have further questions about the referral process, you are encouraged to contact the Counseling Center main line (949-824-6457) and request a Referral and Resource Support Appointment with one of the Clinical Social Workers.
  1. Email communication is not confidential. Making a phone call is a better way to protect your confidentiality.
  1. 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.

 

Fandom and Mental Health Benefits

It is getting closer to the holiday break and the end is in sight! Soon we will be with family and friends and getting some much-needed relaxation after the start to the quarter! Phew! While this time can be something to look forward to, it is important to still be aware of caring for your mental health. Here are some things to consider as we reach the end of the year!

Managing Perfectionism

It is getting closer to the holiday break and the end is in sight! Soon we will be with family and friends and getting some much-needed relaxation after the start to the quarter! Phew!

While this time can be something to look forward to, it is important to still be aware of caring for your mental health. Here are some things to consider as we reach the end of the year!

Mental Health Awareness Month

It is getting closer to the holiday break and the end is in sight! Soon we will be with family and friends and getting some much-needed relaxation after the start to the quarter! Phew!

While this time can be something to look forward to, it is important to still be aware of caring for your mental health. Here are some things to consider as we reach the end of the year!