Student Health Services

Student Health Center

The Cowell Student Health Center offers integrated primary care, counseling, and psychiatric services to all UCSC students through in-person and telehealth appointments with board-certified physicians, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. Services include same-day care, a 24/7 Nurse Advice Line, X-rays, lab tests, pharmacy services, and on-site optometry.

The health center works in partnership with departments within Student Health Services, including Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS), the Center for Advocacy, Resources & Empowerment (CARE), the Cove Collegiate Recovery Community, and SHOP Health Promotion, to provide holistic and comprehensive care for students.

Student Health Services Departments

Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS)

Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) offers a range of in-person and telehealth professional services to any students seeking support for mental health concerns. All registered students are eligible for confidential counseling at no out-of-pocket cost, and enrollment in UC SHIP or CruzCare is not required to access CAPS services.

We help students with academic and personal stress, anxiety and depression, relationship and family issues, drug and alcohol problems, psychological problems, and crisis situations. Psychiatry services include diagnostic evaluations or prescribing of medication in certain situations. Depending on a student’s needs, a student may be provided with brief individual or couples counseling, group counseling, psychiatric services, crisis intervention, case management services, or a referral for open-ended or long-term therapy off campus:

• Let’s Talk, a drop in confidential service for consultation, support, and advice
• Psychoeducational programs and workshops on a variety of mental health topics, such as stress and coping skills, managing anxiety and depression, andtrauma
• Same-day crisis services and after-hours crisis support
• Campus Mobile Crisis Team (CMCT) a mobile mental health crisis response service for all members of the UCSC community
• Consultation for staff, faculty, individuals, or family members for assistance in helping students in distress

Information provided to any CAPS professional staff member is confidential within Student Health Services and cannot be released without a student’s permission, except in specific circumstances involving risk and safety. All services are aimed at helping students gain greater personal effectiveness and academic success. Professional staff members are available at various locations on campus, including the Student Health Services building, the Porter CAPS Annex, and the colleges.

For more information visit the Counseling and Psychological Services website or call (831) 459-2628.

Student Health Insurance Requirement

Health Insurance Requirement at UCSC

The University of California requires all registered students to have health insurance as a condition of enrollment. Unexpected medical expenses can disrupt your education, and health insurance helps protect you from this risk. UC Student Health Insurance Plan (UC SHIP) offers comprehensive coverage, including medical, dental, vision, mental health, pharmacy, and substance use

services. Many services at the Student Health Center are free or low-cost with UC SHIP.

To attend UCSC, you must either enroll in UC SHIP or waive it with a qualifying private insurance plan. We recommend comparing your options and choosing what fits your needs. If you waive UC SHIP, consider purchasing CruzCare for affordable access to on-campus care.

Health Insurance Options

Option 1: UC Student Health Insurance Plan (UC SHIP)

UC SHIP provides:

• comprehensive coverage, including medical, behavioral health, dental, vision, and prescriptions
• year-round coverage (including breaks and summer)
• free visits for preventive care, acute illness, injury, and X-rays at the Student Health Center
• 24/7 global coverage

UC SHIP is a convenient, cost-effective option for most students.

Option 2: Your Own Insurance / Private Plan

If you have your own insurance, you can waive UC SHIP by submitting a waiver online. Your plan must meet UC’s coverage requirements. You can still access limited services, such as the nurse advice line, Same-Day Care, SHOP, and CAPS, but you’ll pay out-of-pocket for other services at the Student Health Center.

Option 3: Your Own Insurance + CruzCare

If you want to use your own insurance off-campus but need access to on-campus care, consider CruzCare. It’s a prepaid program that covers:

• acute illness or injury visits
• lab tests
• X-rays

CruzCare is an affordable option for students who waive UC SHIP, and you can learn how to enroll by visiting the Health Center's website.

Immunization and Tuberculosis Screening Requirements

The University of California requires all registered students to provide proof of certain immunizations, as outlined in the UC Immunization Policy.

The University allows exemptions only for medical reasons or sincerely held religious beliefs.

If you do not meet the immunization requirements, a hold will be placed on your registration, preventing future class enrollment. The deadline to meet these requirements (except for COVID-19 and flu) is before you come to campus. International students unable to obtain a required vaccine should contact Student Health Services.

Student Health Outreach and Promotion (SHOP)

SHOP is UCSC’s destination for information, conversation, and self-exploration around health and wellness in a safe, non-judgmental environment. SHOP provides opportunities for students to explore and enhance their health and wellness as they pursue their academic goals. SHOP offers education, resources, and support on issues related to alcohol and other drugs, sexual and reproductive health, mental health and wellness, college life balance, and other concerns relevant to college students. All UCSC students are welcome and encouraged to drop in and speak with SHOP’s professional and student staff. SHOP offers a robust peer education program - by students for students. Students can get involved with SHOP by becoming peer educators.

Alcohol and Other Drug (AOD) Education

Student Health Outreach and Promotion (SHOP) empowers students to reduce risks related to substance use/misuse. Students can meet with staff confidentially to discuss their personal AOD use, discuss concerns about friends or family members, obtain educational materials, participate in workshops, and access resources and a support center for students in recovery. SHOP Health

Educators provide formal and informal sessions and workshops for students, college residential staff, and other campus groups. For information call (831) 459-1417 or visit the SHOP website.

Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) Prevention

SHOP offers many resources for promoting sexual health, including:

• Condom Co-Op, providing free safer sex supplies
• Birth Control Patrol—make an appointment with a peer to choose a contraceptive option
• workshops, activities, and events
• sexual health questions? Speak to a SHOP staff person

SHOP is located in Porter College B Suite 250. For more information, visit the SHOP website, call (831) 459-3772, or email shop@ucsc.edu.

Center for Advocacy, Resources and Empowerment (CARE)

The Center for Advocacy, Resources, and Empowerment (CARE) provides support, advocacy, resources, and violence prevention education to the UC Santa Cruz community. We respond to the needs of students, staff, faculty, and campus affiliates impacted by sexual assault, dating/domestic violence, and stalking by providing confidential advocacy services. CARE services are survivor-centered and trauma-informed.

To request an appointment with a confidential CARE Advocate, fill out an appointment request form or call 831-502-CARE (2273).

CARE also works collaboratively with students, faculty, and staff to educate the campus communities about the vital role that each of us has in preventing violence and creating a culture of consent and respect. We oversee a peer prevention education program for students covering topics including:

• how to support survivors
• reporting options
• healthy communication and relationships
• bystander intervention skills
• media literacy

CARE is located at Hahn Student Services, 400 Hahn Road, Suite 104. Find us online at CARE, TikTok (@ucsccare), and Instagram (@ucsantacruz_care). or sign up for our newsletter.

Clinical Laboratory

The UC Santa Cruz Student Health Services Laboratory offers routine tests with fast results and phlebotomy for send-out tests. Our compassionate team is here to support students.

We provide a self-ordered testing program, including STI tests and a wellness panel. Results are available through Health e-Messenger.

We’re open Monday through Friday, with limited appointments and walk-ins. The lab is located in the basement of the Student Health Center.