Located on McLaughlin Drive across from Colleges Nine and Ten, the Student Health Center provides quality health care focused on the particular needs of students. All registered students can access the Student Health Center and can always have a consultation with a nurse. Care is provided by board-certified physicians, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. Students can be seen by appointment or, in cases of illness or injury, on the same day at the Same Day Clinic. In case of emergencies, either during the day or after normal operating hours, please call 911.
In addition, the Student Health Center offers counseling and psychiatry services, nutritional counseling, health promotion, X-ray, laboratory, optometry, and pharmacy services on site. The center is open weekdays during the regular academic year. For summer services and hours, or for additional information, visit the Student Health Center website or email healthcenter@ucsc.edu.
Student Health Insurance
To ensure that emergencies and other health care costs do not interfere with a student's education, all University of California students are mandated by the UC Regents to carry health insurance. A comprehensive and affordable program specifically designed for students is available through the university via the University of California Student Health Insurance Plan (UC SHIP). All students are automatically enrolled in UC SHIP and billed quarterly through their student account, unless they choose to waive this coverage by providing proof of suitable insurance annually by the specified deadlines. For detailed information regarding insurance coverage and the waiver process, see Billing and Insurance Information page on the Student Health Center website. The Student Health Center only accepts UC SHIP, not any other health insurance plans.
For students who successfully waive UC SHIP, it is recommended that students and families consider adding CruzCare, which provides access to the Student Health Center for illnesses and injuries and covers in-house laboratory tests and X-rays, for a quarterly flat fee. Fees will be assessed for most visits for students without UC SHIP or CruzCare.
Immunization and Tuberculosis Screening Requirements
UC-wide, all incoming UC students, (frosh, graduate, transfer, and returning) are required to obtain specific vaccines and tuberculosis (TB) screening before coming to campus. Compliance with this requirement will be tracked by student’s submission of an online Immunization form and TB Risk screening. These forms must be submitted securely online at student health. Failure to complete this process will result in an enrollment hold. For more information about UCSC Student Health Services and the UC-wide immunization requirements, please visit the Student Health Center website.
Student Health Outreach and Promotion (SHOP)
SHOP is UC Santa Cruz’s destination for information, conversation, and self-exploration. It’s the place for students to go to learn about 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 information, education, resources, and support on issues related to alcohol and other drugs, sexually transmitted infections and sexual health 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. Students can get involved with SHOP by becoming peer educators, HIV test counselors, volunteers for the Condom Co-op, and/or CUIP interns.
Alcohol and Other Drug (AOD) Education
SHOP empowers students to reduce risks related to substance use/abuse. Students can meet with staff confidentially to discuss their personal AOD involvement, discuss concerns about friends or family members, obtain educational materials, participate in workshops, and access resources for students in recovery. 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. NOTE: In January 2014, UC Santa Cruz implemented a campuswide smoke and tobacco-free policy.
HIV and Other Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) Prevention
SHOP offers many resources for promoting sexual health, including:
- Free, anonymous HIV testing with Orasure (no needles) provided by student peer test counselors. Results in 20 minutes.
- The Condom Co-op, selling safer sex supplies at reduced cost.
- The 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 at the Student Health Center. For more information, visit the SHOP website, call (831) 459-3772, or email shop@ucsc.edu.
Campus Advocacy, Resources and Education (CARE)
Campus Advocacy, Resources and Education (CARE) provides support, advocacy, resources, and violence prevention education to the UC Santa Cruz community. We respond to the needs of students, staff, and faculty 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, email care@ucsc.edu or call 831-502-CARE (2273).
CARE also works collaboratively with students, faculty, and staff to educate the campus community about the vital role that each of us has in preventing violence and creating a culture of consent and respect. We supervise 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 Kresge 714, near the Owl's Nest Cafe. Find us online at CARE, or follow us on Facebook by searching "UCSC CARE."
Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS)
Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) offers a range of professional services to undergraduate and graduate students seeking help with personal concerns. We provide assistance for students with academic and personal stress, 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, or a referral for open-ended or long-term therapy off campus. CAPS also provides ADHD assessments, psychosocial groups, and online options. Information provided to any CAPS professional staff member is confidential within the student health center 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 colleges, and Family Student Housing. Emergency on-site crisis services and after hours crisis services are also available.
Staff members are available to provide consultation to staff, faculty, individuals, or family members for assistance in helping students in distress. Counseling psychologists can also provide trainings and programs on a variety of mental health topics, stress and coping skills, multicultural issues, and organizational development.
For more information visit the Counseling and Psychological Services website or call (831) 459-2628.