Behavioral Mental Health (employees)
Mental health and physical health go hand in hand, so UC’s medical coverage includes behavioral health benefits for mental health services and substance abuse treatment. Members can use their behavioral health benefits for sessions with counselors, psychologists or psychiatrists to address issues such as:
- Depression and anxiety
- Alcohol or drug abuse
- Eating disorders
- Medication management
- Autism and pervasive developmental disorders
Behavioral Intervention Team (BIT)
In order to fulfill the mission of the University of California, Merced, it is essential that UC Merced employees are able to work in an environment that is safe and free from acts of intimidation, threats of violence or actual violence. Security and safety in the workplace require the cooperation of every staff, faculty and student employee.
When responding to an emergency, perceived emergency or suspected criminal conduct, call 911. If you encounter a disruptive employee whose behavior may include threats to self or others, you should call a member of UC Merced Behavioral Intervention Team (BIT). The BIT is comprised of a small group of UC Merced administrators responsible for the university employee threat assessment and management process.
If you are a supervisor, manager or other person in authority who receives a report of threat to self or others by a UC Merced employee, you should immediately contact a BIT member
Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) - students
The mission of UC Merced Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) is to support the mental health and well-being of our students. It is the intention of all CAPS staff to provide a safe, confidential atmosphere of acceptance and accessibility to professionals in the field of psychology. Services specialize in the unique needs of UC Merced students in an effort to promote their academic, personal and social development.
How To Get Help
UC Merced provides resources and services to help resolve issues. Some are completely confidential, or can help on an informal basis. Others are formal resources and may be required to create an official record of the concern. If you have any questions about the resources, please contact Office of Campus Climate Director De Acker by email or by calling (209) 228-2598.
Insight Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
UC Merced is pleased to announce the addition of the INSIGHT Employee Assistance Program (EAP) to our employee benefit plan. INSIGHT has been providing confidential and professional EAP services to employers in the Central Valley for over 25 years.
INSIGHT offers employees and their household dependents 3 counseling sessions every six months with a licensed professional to assist with work/life concerns. Employees are also entitled to a free 30-minute legal and financial consultation. All services are private and confidential.
Office of Legal Affairs
Provides legal advice and assistance on a wide range of matters affecting UC Merced faculty members, researchers, students and staff members, including academic affairs, research, regulatory compliance, intellectual property, student affairs, contracting, business transactions, conflict of interest, information practices, real estate, land-use, and labor and employment. Please note that the Office of Legal Affairs represents the university and does not provide personal legal advice to university faculty members, staff or students.
Office of the Ombuds
The Office of the Ombuds is a place where UC Merced community members — students, staff, faculty, lecturers, postdoctoral scholars and administrators — can go for assistance in resolving conflicts, disputes or complaints on an informal basis*. We are a voluntary, off-the-record office resource. Visitors’ identities and the content of their conversations are always confidential, except in rare cases when the campus ombuds determines there is a risk of imminent harm to self or others.
*Please note: Contacting the Office of the Ombuds does not put UC Merced on formal notice of your concerns.
Protests
Protocol for Responding to Peaceful Assembly or Protest on the Property of the University of California, Merced.
Reporting Resources
180712_conflictresolveresources_prf3.pdf
Respondent Services
If you have been accused of sexual violence, sexual assault, sexual harassment, dating/domestic violence or stalking, there are campus services available to help you understand your rights and the investigation and adjudication processes.
Student Response Team (SRT)
The Student Response Team (SRT) develops and implements programs and services for students that are designed to address issues related to student mental health and student safety. The team develops appropriate response protocols to address critical incidents that affect a student or students.
The SRT, on a case-by-case basis, coordinates the university’s resources to address issues associated with distressing behavior and develops appropriate intervention for students brought to the attention of the team.
