How to Obtain a Behavioral Health Provider External to UC San Diego

Last Updated: March 13, 2025 4:24:40 PM PDT

Find out who to contact for information and questions about your behavioral health benefits external to UC San Diego Faculty and Staff Assistance Program.

UC Behavioral Health Benefits

UC’s medical coverage includes behavioral health benefits for mental health services and substance abuse treatment. All UC health plans offer phone and/or video options for getting behavioral health advice and care.

How behavioral health benefits work in UC’s medical plans

Benefits are included in your medical plan premium. You do not need a referral from your primary care provider to see a behavioral health provider, but some services require preauthorization from your behavioral health plan.

See information about your benefits and help finding a provider.

Faculty and Staff Assistance Programs

Each campus, medical center and national laboratory within the University of California administers its own Faculty and Staff Assistance Program (sometimes called an Employee Assistance Program). Assistance programs offer free, confidential resources for emotional health — with easy access to short-term counseling, assessment and referral. For more information on programs available, use the contacts below.

UC San Diego Campus

Faculty & Staff Assistance Program
(858) 534-5523

UC San Diego Health

Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Medical Center
Contact Optum EAP at (866) 808-6205

For additional information and questions about benefits for UC San Diego Health Sciences/UC San Diego Health System employees, please contact the UC San Diego Health Human Resources Services team at the protected employee portal or call 1-619-543-3200.

For more information, contact FSAP.