UC SHIP Referral Process

SHCS Service Announcement

Due to scheduled union action on 
Thursday, May 1st, 
there may be a reduction in services at SHCS. 

We are taking necessary precautions to assure your visit to SHCS during that timeframe goes smoothly. 

Anytime, including when SHCS has reduced services, students can call the following resources: 

Medical:  

Medical Advice Nurse at 530-752-2349 

Counseling:  

Counseling Services 24 Hour Consultation Line: 530-752-0871  or

Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: at 988

Additional support is available:  LiveHealth Online for SHIP students (virtual medical and mental health care) and UWill (virtual mental health care).

UC SHIP enrolled students must begin their care at the Student Health and Wellness Center (SHWC) or with Counseling Services at North Hall (CS). If you need care that is not available at SHWC or CS, your provider will issue a referral to the Insurance Services office for you to obtain care with an outside provider.

UC SHIP enrolled students are required to obtain a referral for all Non-emergency services received outside of Student Health and Counseling Services (SHCS). Services obtained without a referral from an SHCS provider will not be covered by UC SHIP, and the student will be responsible for all costs associated with that service. 

  • Referral Issued by SHCS Provider
    Insurance Services will contact you via secure messaging (HEM) within 5 business days of a referral being issued. It is your responsibility to reply in a timely manner.
    You may be contacted by your assigned Insurance Coordinator sooner than 5 business days, depending on the urgency level listed on your referral.
  • Referral Requested by Outside Provider
    If you are seen by a provider outside of SHCS, and they refer you to a different provider for additional services, the referral you were issued by your Student Health provider is valid for additional services, as long as they are related to the original diagnosis. 
  • How to Find an In-Network Provider 
  • How Long is a Referral Valid?
    A new referral is valid for 1 year from the date it is written. Referrals are not a guarantee of payment by the insurance plan. The services rendered must be a covered benefit, and you must be enrolled in the plan at the time of service, in order for the plan to pay any claims.
  • Referral to Off-Campus Mental Health Provider
    Students may request a referral to see an off-campus mental health provider by stopping by the Insurance Services office on the third floor of the Student Health and Wellness Center. Please bring the contact information and the date of your appointment to the office so that we can provide you with a completed referral to bring with you to your appointment. We will also discuss your UC SHIP benefits related to mental health care, and answer any questions you may have about UC SHIP and the referral process.