Health Topics

Alcohol and Drug Resources

UCSB Alcohol and Drug Program

The UCSB Alcohol & Drug Program (ADP) is a behavioral health program within Student Health which offers a safe and healthy environment to grow and learn healthy choices about alcohol, nicotine, and other drug use.

Life of the Party (Students)

Life of the Party is a student-based group that provides information, suggestions, and alternative activities to make social experiences safer and more fun. They can be found around IV giving out information and resources to keep IV safe for all.

UCIV Public Safety Commission

UCIV is a public volunteer program, created by the AS Public Safety Commission, that acts as a mediator between police officers and the community. Volunteers provide information about resources available to the community as well as help those in need. Volunteers will:

Distribute water at AS water stations throughout IV
Connect medical services to those in need
Offer warnings to residents in violation of ordinances in order to prevent possible citations
Keep an eye out for resident's safety and on law enforcement.
Reverse trick or treat houses!

Health and Wellness IV Outreach (Students)

Health and Wellness aims to empower students in making informed decisions around alcohol and drug use through education and alternative programming events. We work in partnership with many campus departments to provide students with safe, alcohol-free social options throughout the quarter.

More info on overdose prevention and opioid safety

Depression and Anxiety Resources

Many people use the word “depression” to explain these kinds of feelings, but clinical depression is much more than just sadness. Depression is different in that it engulfs a person’s day-to-day life, interfering with the ability to study, work, eat, sleep and have fun. Anxiety is a normal response to a perceived danger or threat to one’s well-being or self-esteem. Intense academic competition, fear of inadequacy regarding an academic challenge, or relationship discord may be some of the sources of the anxiety. Symptoms associated with anxiety include feeling on edge or keyed up, irritability, difficulty concentrating and fatigue. The resources below provide options for students to seek help for themselves or others in managing depression and anxiety.

Depression

This page gives information on what depression may look like and what it may feel like. It also provides suggested “DOs and DONTs” for how to support a friend experiencing depression.

Anxiety

This page gives information on what anxiety may look like and what it may feel like. It also provides suggested “DOs and DONTs” for how to support a friend experiencing anxiety.

UCSB CAPS

Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) offers access to on-campus counseling and Psychological Services on a walk-in and appointment basis. They can help deal with the initial shock as well as long term recovery that comes after loss. CAPS is located in building 599 (the pink building between the AS Annex and the HSSB).

Group Counseling

This group will include peer support discussions about improving mood, motivation, and managing depression. The group will include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) as well as how to recognize and disengage from negative thoughts and rumination.

Eating Disorder Resources

Eating disorders are real, serious, and complex medical and psychiatric illnesses that affect people of all genders, ages, races, ethnicities, body shapes and weights, sexual orientations, and socioeconomic statuses. Eating disorders significantly hinder a student’s social, emotional and academic success. We strive to create a culture that promotes size diversity, body acceptance, and a healthier body image for all humans.

UCSB Health and Wellness Eating Disorder Prevention and Body Image

Health and wellness offers a description of what eating disorders may be or who they might affect plus adds helpful tips for prevention and body positivity mentality.

Eating Disorders

Anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and eating disorder not otherwise specified (EDNOS) are psychiatric diagnoses that involve a significant disturbance in the perception of body shape and weight which leads to an abnormal or obsessive relationship with food, exercise, and self-image. Depression, anxiety, and substance abuse often accompany these disorders. In addition, significant physical complications can also occur. This page offers a guide on Dos and Don'ts of helping yourself or others as well as offers some resources you can call for help.

Grief and Loss

Distressed Student Referral Guide

The Distressed student Referral Guide is setup by the Office of Student Life (OSL) as a way to navigate the resources available to students going through/ who have experienced traumatic events. It covers: UCSB Distressed Students Response Protocol and Student Mental Health Coordination Services, plus their online referral services and phone number (805-893-3030) to submit requests for help.

Physical Activity

Physical activity is good for your overall health: physical, mental, and even emotional. Getting your heart rate elevated above resting for just 30 minutes a day is a great way to keep active and fight off the stress of academic and social life.

UCSB Recreation Home

The Rec Cen and the MAC behind it are locations full of exercise equipment open to any UCSB student with an access card or anyone with a membership. They have gym equipment, a pool, a jacuzzi, and even a rock wall.

Gaucho Rec Classes

Rec Cen Hours/Calendar

Rec Cen Services/Facilities

UCSB Exercise and Sport Studies

The Department of Exercise & Sport Studies offers a program of basic instruction consisting of 0.5 unit courses as well as courses in athletic coaching, fitness instruction, exercise and health science, and sport management.Basic instruction (“1-” Exercise & Sport Studies courses) is offered at the elementary, intermediate and advanced levels. Courses range in scope from a fitness related emphasis–aerobics, jogging, swimming and weight training–to individual and team sports such as basketball, golf, tennis and volleyball. Courses in the “1-” series with the “Intercollegiate” designation in the title may be repeated up to 12 times for a total of 6 units. No more than 6 units of “1-” courses may be counted toward degree requirements.

Group Fitness - UCSB

Sport Clubs - UCSB Recreation

Personal Training - UCSB Recreation

One on One Personal Training
Nationally Certified Personal Trainers provide individualized programming to address your specific health and fitness goals. As you progress, our trainers stay ahead of the curve and utilize the latest research and exercise modalities to minimize plateaus and help you realize your full potential. Improve your lean body mass, muscle strength and endurance, cardiorespiratory health, balance, and mobility to reach new levels with our science fueled approach.

Small Group Personal Training

Save money and elevate your fitness routine in an energetic small group setting with a Nationally Certified Personal Trainer. We bring like-minded people together with similar goals to train as a team and achieve amazing results all while having fun! You’ll receive individualized coaching using current strategies based on the latest science to improve your muscular strength, endurance, lean body mass, balance, flexibility, and cardiovascular health. Small group training is a great way to destress, increase your social network, and get physically fit!

Best Hikes of Santa Barbara

When it comes to combining the mountains and the sea, it’s tough to think of a better place in the country for hiking than Santa Barbara. Nicknamed The American Riviera®, Santa Barbara exudes a Mediterranean feel with its coastline, vegetation, and architecture. Tucked between the Pacific and the Santa Ynez Mountains, which run east to west through the Los Padres National Forest, Santa Barbara creates a postcard-perfect backdrop for your next coastal retreat. But more importantly for hikers, Santa Barbara and surrounding areas feature some amazing trails to explore. You’ll find everything from easy, flat paths through manicured gardens to difficult climbs that reach towering heights over the Pacific.

Gym Equipment Rentals - UCSB Recreation

The Rec Cen Equipment Room is open during regular operating hours. Sporting equipment including basketballs, soccer balls, and more are available for rentals to members. Some equipment may be checked out for free with a valid photo ID. Cash only.
The Multi Activity Court (MAC) equipment room is open during the building's regular operating hours. Other sporting equipment including referee jerseys, lacrosse jerseys and more are available for rental to members. The same rental rules and restrictions apply.

Rentals - UCSB Recreation

Adventure Pass and Gear Rentals

UCSB Adventure Programs offers the Adventure Rental Center in the Recreation Center courtyard, the Campus Point Rental Center down at the beach, and the Adventure Climbing Center in the Rec Cen MAC. They carry quality brands such as MSR, Mountain Hardware, and Osprey, and rent them at a great low-rate.

Adventure Climbing Center (ACC) - UCSB Recreation

If you haven’t seen the UCSB indoor climbing center, then you are missing out. Not only is it a beautiful work of art, but it is also a very challenging training facility. The wall, designed by Entre Prises USA Inc., is the largest imprint wall on the west coast! It offers a dedicated bouldering section, a 30 foot main wall, top rope climbing, lead bolts, belay ledge and three crack features. The club atmosphere allows climbers to train, share techniques, exercise, meet new friends, and plan weekend outings to the rocks. The facility is open daily which allows for training after you get off work or out of class. Harnesses or rock shoes are available to rent.

Pregnancy Prevention

Convenient Access to Birth Control - UCSB Student Health

Birth Control can be accessed via prescription from Student Health. Appointments can be made online or by phone and prescriptions can be refilled online through the links found within. An informational video explaining different birth control methods can be found on the website as well.

Santa Barbara Center - Planned Parenthood

Planned Parenthood is a health clinic that provides abortion services, birth control, morning after pill, pregnancy testing & services, and other healthcare services for people regardless of insurance status, language needs, sexual orientation, or gender.

Abortion Services

Planned Parenthood offers the following abortion services: abortion pill, in-clinic abortion, pre- and post-abortion patient education, post-abortion follow-up exams, referrals for other abotion services, as needed, and sedation options.

Birth Control

The Santa Barbara Planned Parenthood Center offers the following birth control methods: birth control education, birth control patch, birth control pill, birth control shot, birth control vaginal ring (NuvaRing), cervical cap (FemCap), condom, diaphragm, emergency contraception (morning-after pill), internal condoms, fertility awareness method, IUD (hormonal), IUD (copper), safer sex education, sterilization for people with testes (vasectomy), and all Birth control services are available during business hours by appointment.

Morning After Pill: Emergency Contraception

Emergency contraception is available at this location during business hours on a walk-in basis and by appointment. Emergency contraception is available without age restrictions and is priced at $40, however it can be covered by insurance.

Pregnancy Testing and Services

Santa Barbara Center offers the following pregnancy services: pregnancy testing, abortion services, adoption services, adoption referrals, fertility awareness education, parent eudcation classes, pregnancy options education, pregnancy/fertility education, pregnancy planning services, trained staff to discuss your options if you are pregnant, trained staff to talk with you about early pregnancy loss, and all pregnancy testing and services are available during all business hours by appointment.

UCSB - Pregnant on Campus

This links to resources for assistance in off campus housing, clothing/food assistance, child care resources, insurance resources, financing of education assistance, adoption resources, counseling and after abortion counseling, and links to other organizations for help.

STI/STD Prevention

Sexually transmitted infections are the most transmitted infections next to the common cold and flu. These infections are transmitted via sexual contact and many of the most common ones are curable.

American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists

National gynecological health website that contains information regarding STI’s, STI transmission, and STI prevention and risk reduction techniques.

Student Health STI Prevention

Student Health website to schedule an STI testing appointment online or by phone, as well as links to informational pages about specific common STI infections. There is also a plug in to input your location and display local locations for HIV Testing Sites and Services.

Clinique L'Actuel

National informational resource page that provides information on STI prevention, testing, PEP & PrEP, and Vaccination.

Gay Men and STD's - CDC

CDC link specifically for Gay MSM (men who have sex with men) regarding STI transmission, information, testing, protection, and further links to more information.

STD's and EPT - CDC

CDC Link on Expedited Partner Therapy. In some cases, you may be able to get medical treatment for a partner's STD's without them going in for examination.

Pacific Pride Foundation Syringe Exchange

The Syringe Exchange Program offers sterile syringes and other supplies, as well as harm reduction counseling. They provide Syringe Exchange as a means of prevention.

Pacific Pride Foundation Free Testing

Direct services include free, anonymous HIV and Hepatitis C rapid testing and up-to-date HIV/AIDS prevention and education. They offer harm reduction counseling along with each test, with harm reduction, recovery and medical resource literature made available to all testing clients. Se habla Español. Spanish-speaking counselors are available.

Counseling with Pacific Pride

Pacific Pride Foundation counseling and counseling information. Lists nonexhaustive list of issues counselors specialize in, including Newly Diagnosed with HIV, Sexual Concerns, and other issues.

PrEP Basics

CDC Infographic on PrEP, what it is, how it works, the general acquisition process for most, and whether it may be right for you.

Sleep Difficulties

Sleep difficulties and disorders can affect academic performance and can get in the way of daily activity. Common sleeping disorders that exist are insomnia, snoring, narcolepsy, and hypersomnia, among others.

Health and Wellness

Health and wellness tips on better sleep and stress reduction.

Housing and Dining

Information on the harm of poor sleep and forming better sleeping habits.

ENT Associates of Santa Barbara

ENT Associates of Santa Barbara page on sleeping disorders, listing many common disorders and brief overviews of treatment and diagnosis.

Santa Barbara Sleep Clinic

Santa Barbara Sleep Clinic, where they specialize in sleep disorders medicine and treatment.

Stress Reduction

Health and Wellness

Health and Wellness offers programs and events focusing on mental wellness through physical activity, mediation, and nap stations around campus.

UCSB Mental Health Peers

Mental health peers are groups of trained students working through CAPS to provide mental health workshops, training, and resources. They are located in Building 434, Room 100 (Located between the Main CAPS Building and South Hall. Directly across the bike back from Storke Tower)

CAPS

Suicide Prevention

Suicide Prevention Lifeline

1-800-273-8255

UCSB CAPS Crisis Assistance

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

Mental Health Concerns - UCSB MHP

Tobacco Use

Nicotine is an addictive substance that is most commonly found in e-cigarette vapes and combustible cigarettes. Several cessation resources are available on and off campus since the University switched to a smoke and tobacco free campus.

Nicotine Cessation Services Number

(805) 893-5013