Life

As a graduate student, it can be difficult to prioritize your mental health and well-being. This is where LiveHealth - teletherapy comes in. This resource is available to UCSB students with UC Ship insurance and provides access to video calls with licensed psychologists, therapists, and psychiatrists directly from your phone, tablet, or computer. Read on to learn more!

By Veronica Franco, Mental Health Peer
Wednesday, November 13th, 2019 - 10:00am


LiveHealth - Teletherapy

As a graduate student, it may be difficult to access campus resources during your already busy schedule. You may be navigating being a full-time student, part-time employee, T.A., researcher, friend, family member, among many other roles. All of these roles and responsibilities can make it difficult to allocate time in your day to engage in wellness and to access services that can help support your mental health.

This is where LiveHealth - teletherapy comes in. As a UCSB student you have access to campus and online resources to help support your academic and personal well-being.

Here's some background information on what this resource is and how to access it:

​What is teletherapy (also referred to as Telemedicine, Telehealth, or Telepsychiatry)?
Teletherapy is a form of video conferencing allowing licensed psychologists, therapists, and psychiatrists to provide services to clients outside of the office, such as the client's home or workplace.

How much does it cost?
There is no co-pay for students who have UC Ship insurance. No referral is needed from CAPS to access this service. LiveHealth directly bills SHIP Anthem Blue Cross (CA) for the telehealth appointment. LiveHealth also accepts other insurances with a co-pay.

Hours of operation?
You are able to schedule appointments 7 days a week via smartphone, tablet, or computer. LiveHealth offers extended hours (7am-9pm), including weekend appointments. Teletherapy also allows you to keep appointments on a more regular basis and you can schedule with the same clinician for recurring appointments.

How do you access LiveHealth Online?
Accessing LiveHealth Online is simple and easy:

  • Either go to LiveHealth Online or download the mobile app through Google Play or the App Store.
  • Register using your UC SHIP Anthem ID number. If you waived UC SHIP, then simply register without selecting an insurance plan.
  • For the question: "Do you have health insurance?" Select "Yes."
  • From the Health Plan drop-down, select "Anthem Blue Cross (CA)" only if you are covered by UC SHIP.
  • Enter your Subscriber ID. Your Subscriber ID is found on your UC SHIP insurance card -- you can access this using the StudentHealth mobile app. Your subscriber ID will begin with the characters XDP.
  • For the question: "Are you the primary subscriber?" Select "Yes."
  • Click "Finish" and you will be directed to a page where you can access LiveHealth Online sessions.

You can also review the LiveHealth Online overview document ​here.

What are the benefits?
As a graduate student, it can be difficult to prioritize your mental health and well-being. LiveHealth hours allows for the flexibility to schedule appointments in a time frame that may work best with your schedule. You also have the opportunity to access services anywhere you are located as long as you have access to a smartphone, tablet, or computer. Teletherapy provides you with benefits that may help support your academic success and well-being. ​As it can be difficult to take time off from your busy schedule to seek services at CAPS, this form of treatment can eliminate stress about seeking services and help you maintain a healthy living style.