Navigating the UCSB Student Health Portal: A Comprehensive Guide to Services and Resources

The University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB) prioritizes the health and well-being of its students, recognizing that a healthy student is a successful student. To that end, UCSB provides a comprehensive Student Health center and a variety of resources designed to promote physical and mental wellness. This article serves as a guide to understanding the UCSB Student Health portal, the services it offers, and how students can access them.

Accessing Healthcare at Student Health

Student Health is a fully accredited, multi-specialty healthcare center conveniently located on campus. It provides a wide range of medical, pharmacy, eye, and dental care services. The goal is to enable students to have a healthy and successful university experience. Students with health questions can call (805) 893-3371 for assistance.

Mandatory Health Insurance: UC SHIP and Waivers

All registered UCSB students are required to have health insurance that meets the University of California's minimum coverage limits. UCSB students are automatically enrolled in the University of California Student Health Insurance Plan (UC SHIP). This plan includes vision and dental coverage, as well as access to many Student Health services without additional charges. The insurance premium is automatically included in the quarterly BARC bill. Information about this comprehensive plan can be found on the Student Health Insurance webpage.

UC SHIP Coverage

UC SHIP provides comprehensive coverage, ensuring students have access to necessary medical care. It includes:

Vision coverage
Dental coverage
Access to many Student Health services without additional charges

Financial Aid and UC SHIP

Financial Aid awards may include a UC Health Insurance Grant to cover the UC SHIP premium for eligible students.

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Waiving UC SHIP

Students who have adequate private insurance and do not wish to enroll in UC SHIP must submit a request for an insurance waiver and receive confirmation that their waiver was successfully granted. Failure to act will result in automatic enrollment in UC SHIP. When submitting the waiver request, students will need to have their private insurance plan information available. It's important to note that a Financial Aid award may change if a student waives out of UC SHIP. More information can be found on the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarship’s Policy Information webpage.

Waiver Validity and Re-verification

Once a waiver request has been approved, it remains in effect until the beginning of the next academic year if the insurance plan used to waive UC SHIP remains active. UCSB will periodically re-verify a student’s insurance during the academic year.

Gaucho Access Plan (GAP)

Students with approved waivers may purchase pre-paid access to many core Student Health services through the Gaucho Access Plan (GAP). More information is available on the GAP webpage.

Entrance Immunization Requirements

All incoming and re-admitted students are required to complete the tuberculosis screening and immunization requirements as noted in the University of California Immunization policy. Failure to comply will result in a registration hold. Students are strongly urged to update their immunizations prior to arriving at UCSB.

Required Documentation

Students will need to upload their immunization record(s) and enter their vaccination dates. They will also need to complete a Tuberculosis screening questionnaire and/or submit a recent Tuberculosis test(s) (blood test, skin test, or chest x-ray). TB tests and immunizations may be obtained at Student Health.

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Consequences of Non-Compliance

Failure to comply with the Entrance Immunization requirements will result in a registration block for the second registration period. For example, a Fall student will be blocked for Winter quarter registration.

Clinical Services at Student Health

Student Health Service is a clinic on campus for students with UC SHIP insurance and offers many clinical services.

Available Services

Primary Care
Pharmacy
Physical Therapy
Insurance Services
OBGYN
Psychiatric Services
And more!

Community Health Resources

There are many community clinics and organizations that offer medical health-related services as well for those who have their own insurance. A section on community health resources is being added.

Behavioral Health Services

Student Health's Behavioral Health Services is a separate department from CAPS (Counseling & Psychological Services), offering specialized support for students' mental and emotional well-being.

Alcohol & Drug Program (ADP)

The Alcohol & Drug Program (ADP) is a team of licensed Behavioral Health therapists that provides free and confidential counseling to all UCSB students who are self-referred, referred by others, or concerned about someone else.

ADP Services

Assessment
Counseling
Education
Safety information related to alcohol, marijuana, tobacco, other drugs, gambling, device/screen management, and other addictive/compulsive behaviors
Connections and referrals to other professionals on campus and in the community

Telehealth Options

Telehealth Counseling and supportive appointments are available either by phone, zoom, or in-person.

Gauchos for Recovery (GFR)

Gauchos for Recovery (GFR), also housed under ADP, is a peer-driven UCSB program that aims to provide a safe, supportive, and engaging environment for students in recovery or seeking recovery from substance use disorders and addictive behaviors. GFR supports students engaging in any recovery pathway they choose.

Student Health Social Workers

Student Health Social Workers provide confidential services focused on enhancing and supporting student health and wellness. Through these services, they seek to assist students in achieving academic, social, and personal success.

Psychiatry Services

Student Health has psychiatrists and social workers who are available by referral from either Counseling and Psychological Services or primary care clinicians within Student Health. Psychiatrists provide evaluations and, if indicated, medication and short-term supportive psychotherapy. Our Psychiatrists are specialists who evaluate, diagnose, and treat patients who are affected by temporary or chronic mental health and/or physical disorders.

Department of Health & Wellness

While the Department of Health & Wellness does not offer any clinical services, it does offer many services that contribute to medical well-being. The department aims to have students’ health and well-being embedded in the campus culture and valued as integral to everyone’s success at UC Santa Barbara and post-graduation. The department also helps students to engage in habits that strengthen their well-being, exercise compassion, and advocate for the health of all individuals.

Health Equity Advocate

The Health Equity Advocate role works closely with Student Health, the RCSGD (Resource Center for Sexual and Gender Diversity), and other campus departments to assure that marginalized students, especially queer and trans students, receive accessible and equitable healthcare. The LGBTQIA+ student health page offers more information.

Support for Queer and Trans Students

UCSB’s Health Equity Advocate, Buster Buchanan (he/him), can answer questions and provide guidance regarding:

Gender transition
Queer and trans healthcare
Health insurance
Health discrimination
Student Health Services
Health-related activism
The general wellbeing of students experiencing health inequities

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