With the uncertain and overwhelming current state of affairs, it has become increasingly important to acknowledge and nurture our mental health. UC Berkeley’s University Health Services, or UHS, as well as the Tang Center, offer a plethora of resources for students and community members seeking support. Here are a few that might help you navigate the trials of adjusting to our new “normal” or life in general.
Online mental health screening
This anonymous mental health resource screens for depression, anxiety, eating disorders, bipolar disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder. Screenings may help you determine whether seeking professional consultation would benefit you. This resource is available to all UC Berkeley students, staff and faculty members. Assessing your well-being is the first step to fostering and improving your mental health.
UC Berkeley Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS)
CAPS offers short-term counseling for academic, career and personal issues and also offers psychiatry services for circumstances in which medication can help. For questions, or to set up a phone triage, call or schedule an appointment through the eTang patient portal.
Monday-Friday: Virtual services can be scheduled from 8 a.m. through 5 p.m.
Urgent needs: 510-642-9494
After-hours counseling support line: 855-817-5667
Let’s Talk
Let’s Talk is a free, confidential program available to any student at various locations across campus. It also provides easy access to informal, brief, drop-in consultations with CAPS counselors — no appointment or paperwork is necessary. Speaking with a counselor in a confidential setting can help you access support, provide perspective or explore resources. Let’s Talk is designed for students who are seeking casual counseling and is not appropriate for students needing urgent help. The UHS website also provides a list of counselors and their specialties to help students select a counselor with whom they feel most comfortable.
You Mean More
You Mean More is a UC Berkeley club focusing on mental health awareness and suicide prevention. This student group functions independently from the University of California but still serves as a useful resource. The organization aims to promote awareness regarding mental health issues, to strengthen the prevention of suicide and self-harm among university students and to reduce the stigma surrounding these topics.
Website: http://ymm.berkeley.edu
Email: [email protected]
Facebook: UCB Suicide Prevention Walk
Instagram: @YouMeanMore
Berkeley Mental Health Mobile Crisis Team (MCT)
MCT reduces the impact of mental health emergencies through immediate responses to crisis situations at the street level and through coordinating and consulting with local public safety organizations, hospitals and other community groups. MCT delivers crisis intervention services at locations throughout the community, disaster and trauma-related mental health services and consultations to hospital emergency personnel.
Service days: Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday from 11:30 a.m. through 10 p.m.
Police nonemergency phone number: 510-981-5900
More information on these resources can be found on the University Health Services website. The bottom of the page includes a section titled “Especially For” that compiles resources for people from particular demographics, including Black students, LGBTQ+ students, Muslim students, students with disabilities, international students and undocumented students. This function demonstrates a stride towards inclusion, support and representation for people from marginalized groups. Remember to check in on your friends and family and, most importantly, to reflect on and assess your own mental health needs during these trying times.
