Through our work together at the University of California, we embody UC’s mission of teaching, research and public service. The rewards are many, but the challenges are real, especially in times of uncertainty and change.

If you have been feeling anxious, depressed or overwhelmed, or if you’re having difficulty being centered and purposeful, the following resources may offer some relief.

Select each link to be directed to the appropriate resource webpage for more information.

Systemwide resources

UC Principles of Community
UC is committed to offering all its members a safe, supportive, responsive and equitable environment.

Behavioral health benefits from UC’s medical plans
UC’s medical coverage includes behavioral health benefits for mental health services and substance abuse treatment. Members can use their benefits for sessions with counselors, psychologists or psychiatrists to address challenges like depression and anxiety, substance use disorders, medication management, and autism and pervasive developmental disorders. All UC health plans offer phone and/or video options for behavioral health advice and care.

UCOP California locations: Faculty and Staff Assistance Program (FSAP)

UCSF provides FSAP services for UCOP employees who are California residents. Services are voluntary, free and confidential, and include individual counseling, consultation to managers and supervisors, and assisting in the investigation of threats and violence within the workplace (Threat Management Team). Outside of California, FSAP can provide referrals to fee-based local services. All employees may attend FSAP virtual events.

UCPath Center: Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Offered in partnership with Professional Resources, EAP counselors offer referral and brief therapy services for employees and dependents. Assistance is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, and services are voluntary, free (up to three sessions), and confidential. Download the EAP brochure (PDF) for more details. Contact the EAP by email or call (800) 266-0510 / (951) 781-0510.

UCOP Learning and Development wellness classes

Our Learning and Development team offers a variety of wellness classes monthly. View the Classes and Workshop page for current offerings, or select the links below to register for upcoming offerings.

• UCOP Well-Being Monthly Lunch and Chat series: In today’s fast-paced, high-pressure world, taking time to pause and care for our well-being is more important than ever. Join the Well-Being Lunch and Chat series, a monthly virtual gathering to support individual and collective wellness through meaningful conversation, reflection and connection. The next workshop takes place this Friday, Aug. 22: The Happy Secret to Better Work
• Mindfulness Meditation to Reduce Stress, Anxiety and Burnout at Work: This seven-week cohort learning series takes place Sept. 26 through Nov. 7 on Fridays from 9:30 to 10:15 a.m. (PT).
• Build better sleep habits with FSAP’s science-based workshop: Aug. 28, 12 – 1 p.m. (PT)
• On-demand learning: The LinkedIn Learning wellness collection includes videos and courses on a variety of wellness topics.

Caregiver resources

Bright Horizons Enhanced Family Supports
Bright Horizons’ referral programs can help you find care programs for children and elders, pet-care providers, education support, parenting resources and enrichment opportunities.

Eldercare resources for ARAG members
If you’re enrolled in UC’s optional legal insurance through ARAG, you can access a free consultation with an eldercare advocate who will help assess your parent’s or grandparent’s eldercare needs, develop a care plan, search for facilities and providers and negotiate discounts when available. Your parents and grandparents can also meet with a network attorney for advice on elder law issues (e.g., Medicare/Social Security benefits, estate planning, real estate) and for an annual legal check-up.

Additional resources

Greater Good Science Center: Mind & Body collection
This collection of articles, videos and podcasts provides helpful guidance for difficult times and best practices for boosting mental health.

Reduce anxiety and boost brain health with simple daily practices
Helen Lavretsky, M.D., a geriatric integrative psychiatrist with UCLA Health, shares how we can increase our resilience to those emotional responses and, in turn, boost our brain health.

UC San Diego Center for Mindfulness: Guided meditations
After creating a free SoundCloud account, you can download several targeted meditations, including Spanish-language options.

Get involved

There are times to step back and take care of yourself and times to take action. If you’re looking for how you can help support UC’s mission, check out and share our new Stand Up for UC website.

This easy-to-share page includes a variety of resources to inspire others to get involved and speak out, including sample social media posts and downloadable graphics.

It also provides helpful statistics and an overview of our impact — including our newly updated Boldly Californian video.

Your voice matters. Thank you for standing up for UC.

Stay up to date with all campaigns to support the university. Join the UC Advocacy Network!

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