May marks Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness about mental health issues, reduce stigma and promote understanding. According to the California Health Care Foundation, about 1 in 7 adults in California live with a mental illness, and 1 in 26 experience a serious mental illness that significantly impacts their daily lives.
These numbers highlight how common mental health challenges are—and yet many people still hesitate to seek help, often believing their struggles aren’t “serious enough.”
But mental health exists on a spectrum, and reaching out early can prevent issues from becoming more severe. Support is available, and you don’t need to wait for a crisis to take advantage of it. Prioritizing your mental well-being is just as important as caring for your physical health.
Mental health resources in the workplace are crucial for fostering an inclusive and equitable environment. They ensure that all employees, regardless of their background, have access to the support they need to maintain their well-being and productivity.
The UCLA Staff & Faculty Counseling Center (SFCC) provides short-term individual counseling and crisis intervention for UCLA employees and leaders, including consultation for supervisors supporting their teams. Employees can schedule appointments with licensed counselors to address personal and work-related challenges. The SFCC is available to adult immediate family members as well. Trainings and in-services are also provided on topics such as stress management, resilience, and emotional well-being. All services are voluntary, confidential, and free. Bilingual counselors (Spanish and Mandarin) are available. To schedule an appointment or for additional questions, please call the SFCC at (310) 794-0245 Monday-Friday 8am-5pm.
UCLA employees enrolled in UC-sponsored medical insurance plans also have access to comprehensive behavioral health benefits. These include coverage for mental health services such as therapy, counseling, and psychiatric care, often with both in-person and virtual options available. Whether you're dealing with stress, anxiety, depression, or other mental health concerns, support is available through your health plan. These services are part of your overall benefits package and are designed to ensure that you and your family have access to the care you need—without needing to navigate additional enrollment steps.
Other campus resources include the UCLA Mindfulness Education Center and the Mindful Awareness Research Center, which both offer classes and workshops for the public. In addition, the Healthy Campus Initiative Center at UCLA provides resources and holds events throughout the year to promote health and well-being at UCLA. The center is also comprised of a series of thematic working groups, including MindWell, which fosters wellbeing, resilience and creative achievement throughout the UCLA community.
It’s important to remember that mental health challenges don’t have to reach a crisis point before you seek help. Whether you're feeling overwhelmed, anxious, down or just not quite yourself, talking to a mental health professional can provide clarity, tools and relief. Reaching out is a sign of strength—not weakness—and taking that first step can lead to meaningful improvements in your well-being. Resources are available, and they’re here for you, no matter the size of the issue.
