Psychiatry
What is Psychiatry?
Psychiatry is a branch of medicine focused on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders. A psychiatrist is a medical doctor (M.D. or D.O.) who specializes in mental health, including substance use disorders. Psychiatrists are qualified to assess both the mental and physical aspects of psychological problems. Medications may be prescribed as part of the treatment.
Appointments and telepsychiatry options
If you’re new to UCSC Psychiatry or haven’t been recently, start by scheduling a brief initial assessment through CAPS. Visit our Contact section to learn how to reach our office.
If you have been referred for a psychiatric evaluation, the appointment will take place in-person or via Zoom video (telepsychiatry). Telepsychiatry may not be provided for diagnostic and safety reasons if you don’t live in Santa Cruz County and you aren’t responding to treatment, or you have a condition that requires a higher level of care. If these conditions are in place, treatment by a local provider will be strongly recommended.
Eligibility & fees
All students currently enrolled in classes at UCSC are eligible for psychiatric services. However, please note that psychiatry services are limited.
Fees at UCSC Psychiatry
- Fees for UCSC Psychiatry are the same for all students. If you have UC SHIP insurance, the fee will be billed directly to UC SHIP.
- If you have other insurance, the fee will be charged to you (not your insurance), but you can request a receipt to submit for possible reimbursement.
If cost is a barrier to accessing psychiatric services, a case manager can help connect you with Slug Support for potential financial assistance.
Fee schedule
- Initial psychiatric evaluation: $300
- Follow-up psychiatric visit: $150
- Labs and bloodwork: charged separately
Pharmacy and labs
Students with UC SHIP can use the UCSC Pharmacy and Student Health Center lab, or choose an off-campus pharmacy or lab. Prescription copays are generally lowest at the UCSC Pharmacy. The Cowell Student Health Center does not directly bill insurance plans other than UC SHIP. If you waive UC SHIP enrollment and use the Student Health Center pharmacy or lab, you will be personally responsible for paying the charges and it will be billed to your student account.
Crisis Services
UCSC students in crisis, or anyone concerned about a UCSC student’s mental health and well-being, can call CAPS at (831) 459-2628 any time for help. Visit the crisis services section for more resources. Psychiatry sessions are by appointment only and, in very limited cases, on an urgent basis. If you have a psychiatric emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room or urgent care facility.
Transfer of psychiatric care
If you are already receiving psychiatric medication from doctors not affiliated with UCSC, you may prefer to continue working with your current medical provider. If you are considering transferring your care to a clinician at UCSC, please review the information below.
- UCSC psychiatry providers’ treatment and recommendations may differ from those of your current doctor.
- Get at least a month’s supply of medication from your current provider.
- Make arrangements for additional refills in case you run out of medication before your care has been established at UCSC.
- Typically, UCSC providers cannot provide emergency refills to students without an appointment.
- Schedule an Initial Assessment appointment with a CAPS clinician so that they can learn more about your current situation and history.
- The counselor will explain your options and next steps.
- They will help you connect with a UCSC psychiatrist, a UCSC primary care provider, an off-campus psychiatrist, or other campus support.
- At your first appointment with a UCSC psychiatrist, bring accurate and complete information regarding your mental health treatment, including:
- Names and phone numbers of current/recent providers
- Name(s) and dosage(s) of medication prescribed
- Information about past counseling experiences
- You can also request that your current prescribing clinician send information related to your treatment to us.
- To do so, you will need to obtain a release of information from your current provider.
- Most doctors require signed releases before sharing any records.
- You will also need to complete a release of information form for CAPS.
Resources
ADHD Information
Learn about on- and off-campus resources, as well as how to get assistance with referrals from a case manager.
Psychiatry FAQ
View frequently asked questions about the psychiatry department and accessing services.