Off-Campus Referrals for Kaiser or Medi-Cal

Kaiser Permanente

In Orange County, dial (714) 644-6480, Monday-Friday 8:00 am – 5:00 pm 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.

2. 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.***

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.

2. Email communication is not confidential. Making a phone call is a better way to protect your confidentiality.

3. 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.