December 2021
The UHS Mental Health team wants to share some resources and the latest information about accessing services to support your well-being.
RRR and finals week - self care tips and reminders
We are all in the final stretch of the Fall semester, which continues to be challenging with many uncertainties and transitions. The stressors we may be feeling can be from academic, interpersonal relationships, financial/career concerns, as well as from the continued pandemic; systemic inequity and hate-based violence; local, national, and international crises. It’s a lot, plus being focused on the home stretch of studies and the upcoming winter break. 

Remember to schedule a time for self-care during your studies to keep up the energy. Here are some brief tips:
  • Plan ahead to make time for sleep (that’s when the brain consolidates your learning)
  • Practice mindfulness (focus on the now) - free apps through City of Berkeley (Headspace & myStrength) and other online tools (TAO, Calm)
  • Empower yourself to reach out for support (It means you are being resourceful)
  • Stay in touch with your friends and family, including your chosen family (you are not alone)
  • Keep your eyes on the reward for your hard work (e.g. sense of accomplishment, mastery, pride, positive recognition, grades, or a movie, TV show, food, games, time with friends)
Mental health resources you can take advantage of now
  1. Check out the new Mental Health resource sections: Learn, Practice, Engage and Talk for different tools and resources.
  2. Let’s Talk consultations
  3. Headspace and myStrength - (Free code included from City of Berkeley)
  4. Drop-in groups and workshops - available before the end of the semester Sign up here
  • Moving Towards Body Trust: Thursday, 12/9 from4:00-5:30 pm 
  • Holistic Sleep Wellness: Behavioral Changes to Reduce Insomnia and Sleep Difficulties: Thursday,12/9 from 2:15-3:00 pm 
Accessing counseling options - what’s new
In the Fall of 2021, we moved to a same-day counseling appointment model and have seen a decrease in wait times and have more available access to appointments closer to when students want them.

How to book CAPS counseling appointments:
  • Call (510) 642-9494 on the day you want the appointment and we can assist with options. (we recommend trying to call earlier in the day)
  • Given same-day appointment may book up early in the day, you can also book on eTang, appointments may be available as soon as the night before.

Additional counseling options:
UHS mental health partner: humanest
UHS Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) has partnered with humanest to provide UC Berkeley students with additional mental health support. Through humanest, students can access one-on-one counseling, a community created for UC Berkeley students, and blog posts on mental health topics.

  • Counseling - Students can access humanest for free counseling appointments. Counselors are available Monday through Friday from 9 am to 5 pm and appointments can be booked online. Book a humanest counseling visit >
  • Community - Join the humanest online community for UC Berkeley students. Whatever you're going through, you don't have to face it alone. Ask questions, get professional guidance, support, and connect with others like you. Join the community >
  • Learn tips - Read the humanest blog to learn tips and evidence-based techniques to improve your mental health. Read the blog >
Evolving our mental health approach, your feedback is important
Our mental health teams at UHS are continuing to build out our services for adding new resources and ways for students to access mental health resources.

We are still working on this transformation and there are areas and resources to continue to improve, and so we want to get student input and feedback both on the changes we have done so far and to help co-design our mental health approach as we move forward.

You can submit to us any questions or feedback you have by using this CAPS feedback form.