No-cost Services
What services are available on campus if I don’t have UC SHIP?
All registered UCSC students can access the Cowell Student Health Center, even if they have off-campus or private insurance. These no-cost services are designed to support student health and well-being regardless of insurance status, and are made possible through student-funded campus health initiatives.
Alcohol and drug recovery support
- Individual and group services with an Alcohol and Other Drug (AOD) Educator
- Peer support through The Cove recovery community
CARE (Campus Advocacy, Resources, and Education)
- Confidential support and advocacy for survivors of sexual and domestic violence
- Help with safety planning, reporting options, and referrals
Case management
- Assistance connecting with medical and mental health providers
- Referrals for on and off-campus services
- Help navigating insurance coverage and understanding available benefits
Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS)
- Individual and group therapy sessions with licensed therapists
- Crisis intervention, workshops, and wellness programming
HIV testing
- Free and anonymous testing offered through the Student Health Center Lab
- Supported by Measure D
Nurse consultations
- In-person support at the Cowell Student Health Center
- 24/7 phone support through the Nurse Advice Line at (831) 459-2591
Massage chairs
- Available for stress relief at CAPS and The Cove
Medication abortion
- Available for early pregnancy care through Cowell Student Health Center
- Our caring medical providers offer information, guidance, and follow-up throughout the process
- To learn more or schedule an appointment, call the nurse advice line at (831) 459-2591 during business hours
Pharmacist consultations
- Guidance on prescriptions and over-the-counter medications
Student Health Outreach & Promotion (SHOP)
- Wellness education and coaching on topics including nutrition, sexual health, alcohol and drug use, and stress management
- One-on-one sessions with trained health educators
Important reminder:
The Student Health Center only bills insurance directly for students enrolled in UC SHIP. If you waive UC SHIP and receive care at the Health Center, you will be personally responsible for those charges, which will appear on your student account. You may choose to submit claims to your private insurance for potential reimbursement.
However, many no-cost services are available to all registered UCSC students—regardless of insurance coverage—thanks to support from registration fees and student measures such as Measure 7, Measure D, and the Equity in Mental Health Fee.
