Counseling Center

The University of California Irvine (UCI) Counseling Center in Irvine, California is a substance use treatment provider integrated within a university setting that supports registered university students facing addiction and mental health concerns.

It offers free, confidential short-term counseling services including individual, couples, group, and family therapy and facilitates referrals for long-term or specialized care such as addiction treatment. I think it's helpful that the center’s mission focuses on student mental health, academic success, personal growth and equipping students with coping tools for stressors in the university environment.

Why People Choose UCI Counseling Center

• Short-term Counseling Model: Provides limited-session therapy in individual, couples, group, and family modalities to enrolled UCI students.
• Crisis and Urgent Care: Offers 24/7 crisis phone support and urgent care services during and after business hours.
• Referral for Specialized Treatment: Case managers connect students to off-campus providers for addiction or other long-term mental health care beyond the short-term scope.
• Students Only Population: Services are restricted to currently registered undergraduates, graduates, and professional students at UCI. Faculty/staff have separate programs.
• Free for Students: Counseling Center services are free for registered UCI students, supported through student services fees; external or long-term care costs depend on provider and insurance.
• Licensed Interdisciplinary Staff: Includes psychologists, clinical social workers, post-doctoral fellows and interns; case managers assist with specialist and addiction referrals.

How to Start Treatment

I found that starting with UCI Counseling Center typically involves scheduling an initial assessment either by calling or walking in during lobby hours. During this step, students explain their concerns so staff can determine whether short-term counseling, crisis care or a referral to outside addiction treatment or specialized services is the best fit.

Case managers will help sort out whether external services are covered by UC SHIP, private insurance, or other payment options. Treatment beyond what the Counseling Center provides such as long-term addiction therapy or residential programs may require external referrals.