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
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Behavioral Health Resources
On-Campus Resources
Enrolled UF students are eligible for mental health and counseling services through UF’s Counseling and Wellness Center. Services are covered by the student health fee.
GatorGradCare Mental Health Resources
Visits to Tier 1 mental health professionals is available for GatorGradCare members at a $30 copay. Additionally, GatorGradCare members have expanded access to New Directions Behavioral Health providers throughout Florida for virtual visits at a $20 copayment. View a full list of current Tier 1 providers for mental health under "Behavioral Health: Psychology & Therapy."
GatorGradCare pays 90% of behavioral health hospitalization (the patient has a 10% coinsurance after their $200 deductible) at Tier 1 facilities. Inpatient services require the provider to contact Florida Blue for prior approval.
Talkspace
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.
Enrolled UF students are eligible for mental health and counseling services through UF’s Counseling and Wellness Center. Services are covered by the student health fee.
GatorGradCare Mental Health Resources
Visits to Tier 1 mental health professionals is available for GatorGradCare members at a $30 copay. Additionally, GatorGradCare members have expanded access to New Directions Behavioral Health providers throughout Florida for virtual visits at a $20 copayment. View a full list of current Tier 1 providers for mental health under "Behavioral Health: Psychology & Therapy."
GatorGradCare pays 90% of behavioral health hospitalization (the patient has a 10% coinsurance after their $200 deductible) at Tier 1 facilities. Inpatient services require the provider to contact Florida Blue for prior approval.
Talkspace
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.
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
- 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:
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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
Contact me with your questions, concerns, or to join the Mental Health Committee!
