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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Healthcare support and advocacy

 

Assistant Director of Student Support and Advocacy 

The Assistant Director of Student Support & Advocacy (ADSSA) is an RCSGD career staff position dedicated to supporting UCSB community members in accessing resources and affirming care. They can help you manage stressors, aid in advocacy efforts, and navigate complex situations and/or processes (e.g., legal name change). Additionally, the ADSSA runs the RCSGD Queer Trans Identities Experience Seminars (QTies) to support students, staff, and faculty in garnering LGBTQIA+ education. 

Schedule a 30-minute or 50-minute one-on-one support meeting via Shoreline or email lexbrand@ucsb.edu.

Trans Empowerment Coordinator

The Trans Empowerment Coordinator is an RCSGD student staff position dedicated to empowering and advocating for trans* and nonbinary students. They facilitate trans* friendly spaces and events through the RCSGD and provide one-on-one support for trans* students. If you would like to discuss gender, coming out, trans* resources, event ideas, or any other trans-related questions, you can email them at trans@sa.ucsb.edu.