Important Announcements
Name & Gender Data Updates at Student Health Service and CAPS
As of February 26th, 2025 Student Health Services (SHS) and Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) are collecting and storing students’ lived first names, pronouns, gender, and sexual orientation independently of the rest of campus. This will allow students to use a name and pronouns with their healthcare providers that they may not be comfortable using with the rest of the university. An initial update questionnaire will be assigned to students upon their first appointment after February 26th, 2025.
For a full FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) menu, please visit this information page by selecting the button below:
To visit the Student Health Service Website, please select the button below:
Student Health Service Website
To visit the CAPS (Counseling and Psychological Services) Website, please select the button below:
Resources for Socio-Political Stress
Sociopolitical stress has been shown to significantly affect mental health, especially in college students. The constant barrage of news, social media conversations, and personal encounters with these issues can contribute to a range of mental health challenges, including anxiety, anger, and depression. As a result, it is important to recognize the connection between sociopolitical stress and mental health, and to develop effective strategies for coping. By understanding the underlying factors of this stress and adopting healthy management techniques, you can better navigate the complexities of an increasingly polarized world and protect your overall wellbeing. If you notice any of the following signs, you may be suffering from sociopolitical stress.
-
Worry & Anxiety: Finding yourself thinking about the political climate constantly and its implications, which can increase anxiety and worry, making it hard to relax and enjoy your usual activities.
-
Difficulty Concentrating: Having trouble focusing on work, studies, or your personal life due to racing thoughts about the political climate.
-
Physical Symptoms: Headaches, stomach aches, and increased heart rate, are symptoms associated with anxiety.
-
Difficulty Sleeping or Sleep Pattern Changes: Waking up feeling tired or have trouble getting a good night's rest because your mind is racing about the political implications.
-
Increased Irritability: Things that normally wouldn't bother you trigger frustration more easily.
YOU ARE NOT ALONE! There are many ways to manage socio-political stress and there are resources available to you.
UwIll, an online mental health resource contracted with UCSB CAPS (Counseling & Psychological Services) is available to UC Santa Barbara students.
Uwill is available with the use of free available credits (plenty are available) and can also be used for brief online therapy 30 minute sessions without needing the approval from CAPS. Additional sessions can be extended upon request with CAPS as well!
You can register for Uwill here with your UCSB email address:
For additional resources on managing election stress, check out this new resource page:
Sociopolitical Stress Management
Additional sessions can be extended upon request with CAPS as well! You can register for Uwill here with your UCSB email address:
Register for Uwill (Online Mental Health Resources & Therapy)
About Student Wellbeing
Student wellbeing is integral to academic success, student development, and life satisfaction. We, in Student Affairs, are committed to building relationships with our students such that together we generate optimal conditions for their wellbeing.
How We Approach Wellbeing
One way in which UCSB approaches wellbeing on campus is through the Socio-Ecological Model where look at wellbeing through 4 levels:
- Individual Efforts like educating yourself on relevant health topics
- Interpersonal Relationships that provide social support
- Community Resources that provide the settings that promote wellbeing
- Social Level Systems such as policies that improve health equity
Check out the short video to the right for more detailed information!
Urgent Needs
UC Police Department (UCPD)
911 or (805) 893-3446
Danger to self or others
After Hours Counseling
(805) 893-4411
Press 2 to speak with a counselor
Bias or Hate Incident Response
Financial Crisis Response Team
financialcrisis@sa.ucsb.edu
Eviction, financial emergency or urgent food-related issue
Interpersonal Violence, Stalking, and Sexual Assault Advocacy
Undocumented Student Services
(805) 893-5609
Students or immediate family members are detained or at risk of deportation
Check Us Out On Social Media!
Wellbeing Podcast
Welcome to the wellbeing podcast! Students thrive when they learn, live and achieve in an environment where they feel a sense of belonging, connectedness, and personal impact. This podcast is by students for students, to offer biweekly advice from a broad range of topics including: positive psychology, meditation, sleep, nutrition, sexual health, stress reduction, body image, and more. We love to talk to departments on campus related to wellbeing. If you’re interested in being on the podcast reach out sa-wellbeing@ucsb.edu. Listen to our episodes on Spotify or watch the full video episode on our Youtube channel!
Upcoming Events
Highlights
There are no events for this topic right now, please check back soon!
For inquiries about this website,
please contact:
Jason Stone, M.S.
Health Communication & Media Campaigns Manager
Email: jason.stone@sa.ucsb.edu
Phone: 805-893-4347