With the awful deaths of so many people of color in the news piling atop the ongoing stress of the COVID-19 pandemic, economic downturn, continued threats of global warming and more, I’ve been struggling with my mental health. How can I use my UC benefits to get help? And, are there other resources that I can turn to? 

We hear you — 2020 continues to be a tough year for many of us. But, your local assistance program and UC behavioral health benefits are here to support you, along with many well-informed, relevant resources compiled by university experts. Here is a roundup of UC mental health resources.

Faculty and Staff Assistance Programs

The Faculty and Staff (or Employee) Assistance Program at each UC campus, medical center and national laboratory offers free, confidential resources for emotional health. Visit the website for your location to learn about remote support options and additional resources available during this time. 

Behavioral health benefits

Make your emotional health a priority during these challenging, and often isolating, times. UC’s behavioral health plans have enhanced their telemental health options and benefits to make it as easy as possible to get the help you need.

Systemwide mental health resources

• As UC staff, faculty, alumni and students work to support Californians throughout the global pandemic, UC’s mental health professionals are sharing their expertise as well. Check out these resources to help you and your family.
• UC Berkeley’s Greater Good Science Center: Greater Good’s Guide to Well-Being During Coronavirus
• UC Davis Health Office for Health Equity, Diversity and Inclusion: Mental health and well-being
• UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine: Resources to stay healthy, active, and mentally well
• UC Irvine Health: Teens and young adults face uncertain future
• UC San Diego Center for Mindfulness in the Department of Family Medicine and Public Health: Daily mindfulness and compassion sessions from the Center for Mindfulness, The Sanford Institute for Empathy and Compassion, and the Compassion Institute
• UCSF Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences: Resources to Support Your Mental Health During the COVID-19 Outbreak

Note: This is the July “Ask HR” article from the UCnetwork systemwide staff newsletter. If you have a benefits-related question you’d like us to address in a future article, email ucnetwork@universityofcalifornia.edu. 

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