Social Worker

If you have unanswered questions or need assistance in navigating UC SHIP, you can schedule a meeting with a social worker. 

Shereen Barr

Shereen Barr (she/her) is our main contact for questions about trans* healthcare coverage under UC SHIP. She can help with questions about insurance coverage (what is covered/how much), provide a list of in-network providers/surgeons, and explain how to obtain pre-authorization for surgeries. She can also refer you to other health insurance resources as needed and facilitate communication between you and UC SHIP. There are two ways to schedule a meeting with Shereen:

Student Health Portal:

  1. Login to SHS portal/gateway
  2. Go to “Messages”
  3. Click “New Message”
  4. Click “Student Health Service”
  5. Click “Message your Mental Healthcare Provider” under the “Mental Health” section
  1. Repeat step 5 for following page
  2. Click “Select Recipient”
  3. Find Shereen Barr and send her a message
  4. Subject could be “Trans Healthcare Insurance Questions” or whatever else you might need

Phone:

  1. Call Behavioral Health Office Manager at 805-893-3371
  2. Request an appointment with Shereen Barr

Health Equity Advocate

If you need help with access or navigation regarding healthcare, health insurance, gender transition, gender-affirming products, medical discrimination, or any other health equity concern, reach out to UCSB’s Health Equity Advocate.

The HEA can answer questions, provide one-on-one support, help with system navigation, refer you to resources, and advocate on your behalf across campus. Schedule a 30-minute or 50-minute meeting via Shoreline or email at equity@sa.ucsb.edu. Health Equity drop-in hours are hosted weekly on Tuesdays from 1-2:30 pm in the RCSGD lounge.

The Health Equity Advocate also runs the Gender Product Library — an educational resource for students interested in gender-affirming products. You can book a Gender Product Library viewing appointment here.

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Flyer for UCSB Healthcare Support and Advocacy, with multiple QR codes to schedule meetings or submit feedback.

 

RCSGD Support and Advocacy 

The RCSGD has staff and student staff who support UCSB community members in accessing resources and affirming care. We can help you manage stressors, aid in advocacy efforts, and navigate complex situations and/or processes (e.g., legal name change). RCSGD staff can also refer you to other resources on campus, so feel free to state your need(s) and we will point you in the right direction!

For support, please email RCSGD@sa.ucsb.edu or stop by our front desk during our open hours.