Headspace for Medical Students
Headspace membership through the UCSF School of Medicine includes Headspace’s entire library of content (e.g., meditations, mindfulness exercises, guided programs) in addition to confidential, on-demand emotional and mental health support for life challenges (e.g., coaching via text-based chats, self-guided activities, video-based therapy, and psychiatry). Coaches are available to chat 24/7, 365 days per year. Private video sessions with a therapist or psychiatrist are available outside of business hours on evenings and weekends.
Medical students who are enrolled in any insurance plan and students’ dependents who are age 18 and older will have unlimited access to Headspace coaching services, meditations, and self-guided activities, as well as up to eight (8) virtual therapy sessions per year.
No one at UCSF will have access to the list of Headspace participants or the conversations between you and your care team. Information is securely stored and protected as described in Headspace's Privacy Policy and Terms of Service.
For more information about Headspace, please review the Headspace Help Center, which includes basic information about eligibility, access, cost, etc.
Below are some frequently asked questions about how Headspace relates to UCSF's existing mental health resources
How do I get started with Headspace?
If you have not used your Headspace membership before, follow these steps: (1) visit the Headspace verification webpage to confirm your eligibility using your UCSF email, (2) create a new Headspace account, (3) download the Headspace app, and (4) log in with your new credentials.
If you previously used the Headspace Care app, download the latest version of the Headspace app, sign in with your Headspace Care login, and then delete the Headspace Care app.
Having trouble accessing your account or Headspace meditations? Contact [email protected].
Does Headspace replace existing campus mental health resources?
No, Headspace is being offered in addition to the existing campus resources available to you such as Medical Student Well-Being (MSWB) support and Student Mental Health and Wellbeing (SMHW). Students who need immediate access to support and are comfortable with receiving support virtually may want to use Headspace. Students who want an in-person option may want to seek support on campus.
How do I decide if I should meet with a provider in Medical Student Wellbeing (MSWB), Student Mental Health and Wellbeing (SMHW), or Headspace?
Headspace offers you access to a health coach immediately via text-based chats. Coaches determine if you need a higher level of care, such as therapy and psychiatry services. MSWB and SMHW gives you access to therapy and medication management appointments.
How is the coaching service that Headspace provides different than the Bridges Curriculum coaching program?
A Headspace behavioral health coach provides students with personalized support for anxiety, depression, relationships, sleep, and more. Bridges Coaches are UCSF faculty who provide academic guidance for students in support of their professional and personal development throughout their medical school curriculum.
Am I allowed to see a therapist at MSWB or SMHW and use Headspace?
The best support comes from a coordinated care team. If you do opt to work with multiple providers, it is recommended you sign consent forms to allow your care team to communicate and collaborate to improve your care. Please note that typically, seeing two providers simultaneously for therapy is not recommended and should be discussed with your clinician. Coaching is not considered therapy.
After I have used all of my eight therapy sessions in one plan year, can I still see the same virtual therapist the following year?
Yes. Support can be continued with a Headspace clinician, but the cost will be determined based on your medical plan coverage. As of October 2023, in-network insurance plans with Headspace include: Aetna, America’s PPO, Amerihealth, Anthem (CA), Blue Shield (CA), Cigna, EHN, Kaiser (Northern CA), Moda Health, Optum (UHC/UMR), and Sana Benefits. For other in-network insurance plans outside of the state of California, please contact Headspace's support team ([email protected]).
Students can also visit Additional Therapy Options for UCSF Medical Students for insurance-based services.
