May is Mental Health Awareness Month — a great opportunity to refresh yourself on the mental health resources available through UCOP and UC. If you’ve been feeling anxious, depressed or overwhelmed; are having difficulty being centered and purposeful; or are seeking more social connections, the following resources can help. 

UCOP Faculty and Staff Assistance Program (FSAP)
The UCOP FSAP Program is provided by UCSF psychologists and postdoctoral interns. Free, confidential resources include support with:

• Child and teenager parenting concerns
• Couples and marital relationship challenges
• Elder and dependent adult care
• Depression, anxiety, and other emotional struggles
• Grief and loss
• Alcohol, drug and other addictions 

Behavioral health benefits from UC’s medical plans
Mental and physical health go hand in hand, so UC’s medical coverage includes behavioral health benefits for mental health services and substance abuse treatment. Members can use their behavioral health benefits for sessions with counselors, psychologists or psychiatrists to address challenges like depression and anxiety, substance use disorders, medication management and pervasive developmental disorders, including autism.

All UC health plans also offer phone and/or video options for getting behavioral health advice and care.

Emergency resources from UC’s benefit plans
If your family is impacted by a disaster, such as a fire or earthquake, UC’s emergency resources may be able to help. Support includes replacing lost prescriptions; seeking emergency medical, dental or vision care; claims for loss of life or property, or disability; emergency access to retirement funds; and legal resources to help you recover.

UCOP Ombuds Office
The Office of the Ombuds is a safe and confidential resource for all members of the UCOP community to discuss, clarify and voice UCOP-related concerns.  The ombudsperson will listen without judgment, help people identify and untangle their issues, and help to explore and strategize possibilities for informally addressing their concerns. The Ombuds Office empowers individuals and groups to overcome disputes, conflicts and barriers that stand in the way of reaching their full potential and thriving at UCOP.

UCOP staff organizations
Employee networking and interest groups help maintain a work environment that is inviting, nurturing, and hospitable to all employees. Select the links below to explore UCOP’s staff organizations.

• Asian Pacific Islander Staff Association
• Black Staff and Faculty Organization
• Lakeside Speakeasy Toastmasters Club
• Latinx Staff Association
• Native American, Indigenous, Pacific Islander Staff Association
• President’s Advisory Committee on the Status of Women
• Shakespeare Club
• Sustainability Employee Resource Group
• UCOP Pride
• UCOP Staff Assembly
• Veterans Among US 

Classes and workshops to support mental health

• Self-Care for Leaders — June 2
• The Science of Managing Stress — June 21
• Navigating Change and Transition — June 29
• LinkedIn Learning: Work and Wellness Collection

Caregiver resources

Bright Horizons Enhanced Family Supports
UC provides eligible faculty and staff with membership in Bright Horizons Enhanced Family Supports referral program which can help you find:

• Care programs for children and elders
• Pet sitters, dog walkers, trainers and other pet-care providers
• Education support for your family
• Enrichment opportunities and parenting resources and events

Eldercare resources for ARAG members
If you’re enrolled, UC’s legal insurance through ARAG offers advocacy and legal services for your parents and grandparents as well as for yourself. Your benefits include 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.

More UC mental health resources

• UC Berkeley’s Greater Good Science Center
• UCTV: Beating Burnout: Wellness for Students, Residents and Fellows, and Practicing Physicians
• UCLA Mindful Awareness Research Center
• UC San Diego Center for Mindfulness
• UCSF Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences

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