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Graduate Assistants United at UF
  • About
    • Why Labor Unions?
    • Our History
    • Budget and Procedures
    • FAQs
    • Executive Committee
    • Constitution & Bylaws
  • Our Contract
    • Collective Bargaining Agreement
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      • Hardship Fund Fundraiser 2022
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Mental Health

Mental health is as important as physical health. GAU believes mental and behavioral health services are essential health benefits. We fight for affordable and quality mental health services as part of GatorGradCare, and have secured behavioral health treatments, including psychotherapy and treatment for substance use disorder. If you have questions about mental health services, please contact GAU for additional information.

Mental Health Coverage through GatorGradCare

Behavioral Health Resources

Talkspace online therapy is available at no cost to graduate employees, their spouses, and dependents 18 years or older that are enrolled in GatorGradCare (GGC). With Talkspace, you can message or schedule a live video session with a licensed therapist from your mobile device or computer, anywhere, at any time. All communication between you and your Talkspace therapist is completely confidential. Register for Talkspace services on talkspace.com/gatorcare.

In 2021, GatorGradCare members will have expanded access to New Directions Behavioral Health providers throughout Florida for virtual visits at a $20 copayment.  Call New Directions at 866-287-9569 to find a provider able to see you virtually.

View a full list of current GGC providers for mental health under "Behavioral Health: Psychology & Therapy."

Committee Goals

Short-term Goals:
  • Add more mental health providers within Tier 1 benefits
  • Increase number and variety of mental health resources for graduate employees
Long-term Goals:
  • Bargain with the University for more comprehensive mental health coverage

GAU Responds to Suicide of Huixiang Chen (CW: Suicide/Abuse)

In June 2019, graduate assistant Huixiang Chen committed suicide after suffering through alleged pressure to commit academic misconduct amongst other abuses. Two years later, after pressure from GAU and other concerned individuals, UF has released the following investigation results: 

​

GAU strongly disagrees with the results regarding the investigation into the death of Huixiang Chen. We feel this document undermines the claims made by Huixiang, and invalidates his lived experience. If you or a GA you know is suffering from abuse by their mentor, please contact GAU immediately for support. 

Mental Health Committee Chair

Picture
Kimberly Williams
Email
Contact me with your questions, concerns, or to join the Mental Health Committee!
Picture
Connect with GAU
organizing@ufgau.org

Mailing Address
PO Box 112014
Gainesville, Florida 32611

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Yon Hall 224
1908 Stadium Road
Gainesville, Florida 32611


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Copyright © 2002-21 Graduate Assistants United at the University of Florida. All rights reserved. Affiliated with United Faculty of Florida, Florida Education Association, National Education Association, American Federation of Teachers, and AFL-CIO.
  • About
    • Why Labor Unions?
    • Our History
    • Budget and Procedures
    • FAQs
    • Executive Committee
    • Constitution & Bylaws
  • Our Contract
    • Collective Bargaining Agreement
    • Health Insurance
    • Bargaining Blog
    • Contract FAQ
    • Contract Enforcement
  • Advocacy
    • Fee Relief
    • Family & Child Care
    • Health & Dental Care
    • Mental Health
    • Graduate Housing
    • Racial Equity
    • Legislative Efforts
    • Higher Education >
      • Graduate Employee Unions
    • Local Labor Issues
  • Take Action
    • Becoming a Member
    • Committees
    • Caucuses
    • Department Stewards
    • Events Calendar >
      • Hardship Fund Fundraiser 2022
    • Get Out the Vote 2022 >
      • UF-GAU Endorsements
    • Senators and Delegates
    • Support Groups
  • Members
    • Partner Unions
    • Member Benefits >
      • Hardship Fund
    • Exploring Gainesville
  • HB7
  • Contact Us
    • Office Hours
    • Media Room >
      • News Stories
      • Press Releases
    • Partner With Us
    • Changing Your Membership
  • Resources for GAs
    • All Resources
    • UF-GAU Accessibility Aid Rental Program
    • Weekly Food Deals
  • Undergraduate Solidarity