Getting help during challenging times

Through our work together at the University of California, we embody UC’s mission of teaching, research, and public service. The rewards are many, but the challenges are real, especially in times of uncertainty and change.

If you have been feeling anxious, depressed or overwhelmed, or if you’re having difficulty being centered and purposeful, the following resources may offer some relief.

Select each link to be directed to the appropriate resource webpage for more information.

Systemwide resources

UC Principles of Community
UC is committed to offering all its members a safe, supportive, responsive and equitable environment.

Faculty and staff assistance programs (FSAP)
Available systemwide, FSAP offers free, confidential individual counseling and referral resources to help you manage depression, anxiety, and other emotional struggles; grief and loss; relationship challenges; parenting and dependent care concerns; addiction and more.

Behavioral health benefits from UC’s medical plans
UC’s medical coverage includes behavioral health benefits for mental health services and substance abuse treatment. Members can use their benefits for sessions with counselors, psychologists or psychiatrists to address challenges like depression and anxiety, substance use disorders, medication management, and autism and pervasive developmental disorders. All UC health plans offer phone and/or video options for behavioral health advice and care.

Caregiver resources

Bright Horizons Enhanced Family Supports
Bright Horizons’ referral programs can help you find care programs for children and elders; pet-care providers; education support; parenting resources and enrichment opportunities.

Eldercare resources for ARAG members
If you’re enrolled in UC’s optional legal insurance through ARAG, you can access a free consultation with an eldercare advocate who will help assess your parent’s or grandparent’s eldercare needs, develop a care plan, search for facilities and providers and negotiate discounts when available. Your parents and grandparents can also meet with a network attorney for advice on elder law issues (e.g., Medicare/Social Security benefits, estate planning, real estate) and for an annual legal check-up.

Additional resources

Local wellness programs
Use these links to learn about programs available through your UC location.

Greater Good Science Center: Mind & Body collection
This collection of articles, videos and podcasts provides helpful guidance for difficult times and best practices for boosting mental health.

Reduce anxiety and boost brain health with simple daily practices
Helen Lavretsky, M.D., a geriatric integrative psychiatrist with UCLA Health, shares how we can increase our resilience to those emotional responses and, in turn, boost our brain health.

UC San Diego Center for Mindfulness: Guided meditations
After creating a free SoundCloud account, you can download several targeted meditations, including Spanish-language options.

Get involved

There are times to step back and take care of yourself and times to take action. If you’re looking for how you can help support UC’s mission, check out and share our new Stand Up for UC website.

This easy-to-share page includes a variety of resources to inspire others to get involved and speak out, including sample social media posts and downloadable graphics.

It also provides helpful statistics and an overview of our impact — including our newly updated Boldly Californian video.

Your voice matters. Thank you for standing up for UC.

Stay up to date with all campaigns to support the university. Join the UC Advocacy Network!

Editor’s note: To add a UC-based resource that is available systemwide to this page, contact ucnetwork@universityofcalifornia.edu.