Major Changes Ahead for UC Student Health Insurance in 2025–2026
UC student health insurance is shifting in 2025–2026. See which campuses are switching plans, who’s staying the same, and what it means for your doctors, therapy, and medicine.
Next school year, some University of California campuses are getting new student health insurance. For most students, nothing will change. But if you go to UC Irvine, you’ll be getting a brand-new insurance company — and that means new rules for doctors, therapists, and medicine.
Think of it like switching cell phone plans: you still get service, but some things work differently, and you’ll want to make sure your “must-haves” are still covered before the new term begins.
Below, you’ll see exactly what’s changing, who’s affected, and how to protect your coverage.
Who’s Changing Plans and Who’s Staying the Same
For years, most UC campuses have relied on Anthem UC SHIP for student health coverage. It has been the standard plan for nearly everyone. That is about to change for some students:
UC Irvine: Switching from Anthem to Wellfleet UC SHIP.
In California: You’ll use Blue Shield PPO network.
Outside California: You’ll use Cigna PPO network.
UC Berkeley: Already switched to Wellfleet in past years and is keeping it.
While the rest, UC Merced, UC Santa Cruz, UCLA, UC Davis, UC San Diego, UC Santa Barbara, UC San Francisco, UC Riverside are staying with Anthem UC SHIP.
Here is the campus-by-campus breakdown. Look for your school in the list. If you see “Official switch,” take the steps in this guide to review your providers, prescriptions, and coverage for next year.
| Campus | 2024–2025 Insurance | 2025–2026 Insurance | Status/Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| UC Irvine | Anthem UC SHIP | Wellfleet UC SHIP | Official switch |
| UC Berkeley | Wellfleet UC SHIP | Wellfleet UC SHIP | Continuing |
| UC Davis | Anthem UC SHIP | Anthem UC SHIP | No change expected |
| UCLA | Anthem UC SHIP | Anthem UC SHIP | No change expected |
| UC San Diego | Anthem UC SHIP | Anthem UC SHIP | No change expected |
| UC Santa Barbara | Anthem UC SHIP | Anthem UC SHIP | No change expected |
| UC San Francisco | Anthem UC SHIP | Anthem UC SHIP | No change expected |
| UC Riverside | Anthem UC SHIP | Anthem UC SHIP | No change expected |
| UC Merced | Anthem UC SHIP | Anthem UC SHIP | No change expected |
| UC Santa Cruz | Anthem UC SHIP | Anthem UC SHIP | No change expected |
Why Change at All?
Universities do not change insurance by accident. Here is what drives the decision and how it could affect you:
Cost: They try to keep prices from going up too much while still covering important services.
Mental Health Needs: More students need therapy and counseling, so plans now focus on bigger networks and more telehealth options.
Rules and Regulations: Insurance plans must follow updated laws, which can lead to changes in prescription access, specialist referrals, and even campus clinic policies.
What This Means for You
A new insurance plan can mean more than just a different name on your card. Here is what could change and how to prepare:
Your Doctor or Therapist Might Change
With a new plan, the list of “in-network” doctors might be different. That means your current provider might not be covered anymore.
Medicine Coverage Could Be Different
UC Irvine will use Wellfleet Rx for prescriptions. You’ll want to check if your medicine is still covered and if you need new paperwork.
Referrals Might Work Differently
Some plans require more steps before you can see a specialist. Learn the process early so you don’t get stuck waiting.
Only Trust Official Info
Get your updates from your campus health center or official school emails, not from random social media posts.
How to Be Ready
Do not get caught scrambling at the start of the semester. Check these off now and you will be ready no matter what changes hit your campus:
Why You Should Care
This is not just paperwork. It affects how much you pay for medicine, whether you can keep your therapist, and how quickly you can get appointments. Prepare now and you will keep your providers, avoid surprise bills, and start the term without added stress.
Ignore it, and you may be scrambling for care in the middle of midterms.
The Bottom Line
For 2025–2026:
UC Irvine will move to Wellfleet.
UC Berkeley will continue with Wellfleet.
All other campuses will keep Anthem.
Even if your campus is not switching, now is the time to check your providers, review prescription coverage, and understand any referral rules. A few minutes now can prevent surprise bills, gaps in care, or last-minute stress once the semester begins.
Take the Next Step with TLA Therapy
At TLA Therapy, we provide counseling services across West LA, Redondo Beach, Encino, Torrance, and Culver City, CA, designed to support students navigating life changes, stress, and uncertainty. Our team offers individual therapy, couples therapy, and evidence-based approaches like CBT and DBT.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation and explore how we can help you feel prepared and supported this school year.
What is DBT? A Guide to Dialectical Behavior Therapy & Who It’s For
When dealing with overwhelming emotions or destructive behavior patterns, it’s easy to feel stuck. That’s where Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) comes in.
If you’ve ever wondered, what is DBT and how it helps people gain emotional control, you’re in the right place. This therapy is designed to build long-term coping skills, making life more manageable and relationships healthier.
Let’s get into it!
Understanding the Core of DBT
Unlike traditional talk therapy, DBT takes a skills-based approach. It was originally developed to treat borderline personality disorder (BPD), but today, it’s widely used for various mental health challenges.
DBT focuses on balancing acceptance and change—helping you recognize and validate your emotions while also guiding you toward healthier responses.
This approach stands out because it’s structured, practical, and action-oriented. Rather than just discussing feelings, you actively learn tools to manage distress, navigate relationships, and regulate emotions in real-world situations.
The Key Pillars of DBT
DBT is built on four core skill sets:
Mindfulness: This helps you stay present and aware instead of getting lost in emotions or past regrets. It’s about observing thoughts without letting them control you.
Distress Tolerance: You’ll develop ways to handle crises without making things worse. Instead of reacting impulsively, you learn strategies to ride out emotional waves.
Emotion Regulation: Strong emotions don’t have to take over your life. DBT teaches you to recognize, understand, and manage them effectively.
Interpersonal Effectiveness: Healthy relationships require boundaries and communication. DBT helps you navigate conflict, express needs clearly, and maintain balance in relationships.
Mastering these skills doesn’t happen overnight, but with time, they create a solid foundation for emotional well-being.
Who Benefits Most from DBT?
DBT is especially effective for individuals who struggle with emotional intensity.
It was first developed for BPD, but it’s now used to treat a range of issues, including chronic mood instability and intense emotional reactions, as well as relationship struggles tied to emotional dysregulation.
It’s also proven to be successful in dealing with self-harm or suicidal thoughts, treating depression, anxiety, PTSD, and even substance use and eating disorders.
What to Expect in DBT Treatment
DBT isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach—it’s a structured, multi-layered program that includes:
Individual therapy: One-on-one sessions where you apply DBT skills to personal challenges.
Skills training groups: These function like a class, where you practice mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotional regulation, and interpersonal skills.
Coaching support: Many DBT programs provide access to therapists between sessions to help you apply skills in real-time situations.
Why DBT is a Transformative Approach
Unlike short-term coping strategies, DBT gives you lifelong tools for emotional balance. Research shows that individuals who commit to DBT experience reduced emotional reactivity, fewer crisis moments, and improved relationships.
DBT is also becoming more accessible, with options ranging from in-person therapy to online programs.
If you’re looking for a structured, effective way to take control of your emotions, DBT might be the right path.
Final Thoughts
So, what is DBT? It’s a structured, skill-based therapy designed to help you manage emotions, improve relationships, and handle stress more effectively.
Whether you’re dealing with anxiety, mood swings, or destructive behaviors, DBT provides real-world solutions that lead to long-term change.
Try it for yourself and see how it affects your capacity to deal with problems. It can change your life.
Get Expert DBT Support at TLA Therapy
At TLA Therapy, we specialize in a variety of treatments to help you navigate emotional challenges with confidence. Our expert therapy in West Los Angeles offers individualized support, prolonged exposure, and guidance tailored to your needs. Schedule a consultation today and start your journey toward emotional balance.
What Is Therapy & How Can It Help You? A Beginner’s Guide
In recent years, therapy has gotten more mainstream than it had ever been. An increasing number of people have been turning to therapy as a way to solve burning issues and challenges.
But therapy isn't just for those in crisis; it's a valuable tool for anyone aiming to enhance their mental well-being.
That’s why understanding what therapy is can open doors to personal growth and an improved quality of life.
The Essence of Therapy
At its core, therapy involves structured conversations with trained professionals to navigate life's challenges.
However, it's not solely about addressing severe issues but also about gaining insights, developing coping strategies, and fostering personal development.
Whatever the subject may be, therapists provide a confidential, non-judgmental space for you to explore your thoughts and feelings.
Diverse Therapeutic Approaches
Therapy isn't one-size-fits-all, various approaches cater to different needs:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Focuses on identifying and altering negative thought patterns and behaviors.
Psychodynamic Therapy: Explores how past experiences influence current behavior.
Humanistic Therapy: Centers on personal growth and self-actualization.
Behavioral Therapy: Aims to modify harmful behaviors through conditioning techniques.
Mind-Body Approaches: Incorporates mindfulness and relaxation techniques to connect mental and physical health.
What Can Therapy Help With?
Therapy is beneficial in a wide range of situations. Many people turn to it as a way of managing stress through developing strategies to handle daily pressures. Others find it helpful in improving relationships by enhancing communication and resolving conflicts.
Therapy can also help in navigating life transitions. You will receive support during significant changes like career shifts or loss, making it easier to get through hardship and come out on top.
Lastly, many people go for personal development. They may not have burning issues or find themselves in a crisis, but they want to gain self-awareness and pursue personal growth. Therapy is a great resource for that as well.
As you can see, even if you feel "fine," therapy can provide valuable insights and tools for a more fulfilling life.
What to Expect in a Therapy Session
Starting therapy can be intimidating, but knowing what to expect helps:
Initial Consultation: Here you will discuss your goals and concerns to establish a foundation.
Setting Goals: You will collaborate with your therapist to define achievable objectives.
Ongoing Sessions: Engaging in regular discussions will help you explore thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, eventually leading to personal growth and a better quality of life.
The structure may differ from therapist to therapist, as well as the therapeutic approach they use.
Choosing the Right Therapist
Finding a therapist who aligns with your needs is crucial. Here’s how to do it best:
Identify Preferences: Consider factors like specialties, therapeutic approaches, and personal compatibility.
Trial and Error: It's acceptable to try different therapists to find the right fit.
Accessibility: Decide between in-person sessions or online therapy based on your lifestyle and comfort.
Conclusion
Understanding what therapy is allows you to use it in the best possible way according to your current needs.
Seeing it as not merely a last resort but a valuable resource for growth and balance in life will allow you to get the most out of its potential.
There’s no reason to hesitate - with the right therapist and approach, you’re guaranteed self-development and positive results!
Take the Next Step with TLA Therapy
At TLA Therapy, we offer counselling services in West LA, Redondo Beach, Encino, Torrance and Culver City, CA, tailored to your unique needs, including individual therapy, couples therapy, and specialized treatments like CBT and DBT.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation and discover how we can assist you.