How UC SHIP covers off-campus psychiatry
UC SHIP covers care with off-campus psychiatrists like Century City Psychiatry, but only after you get a referral from UCLA CAPS (Counseling and Psychological Services). Without a CAPS referral, UC SHIP will not pay for your visits — this applies to all outpatient mental health care.
We’re in-network with Anthem Blue Cross, the UC SHIP claims administrator. Once your referral is in place, your visits are covered under your in-network mental health benefits.
My experience as a patient with Dr. Mike Mahgerefteh was exactly what I was hoping for. He is a thoughtful, intelligent, kind, and empathetic doctor who listened to my concerns and worked with me to create a contingency plan for my healthcare needs. He is an excellent patient teacher, stays up to date on his literature, and provides treatment from evidence based practice. He made me feel empowered to be involved in my own care, took great time to answer and explain my questions, and I felt very comfortable in his care. I appreciated his collaborative nature. I highly recommend Dr. Mahgerefteh as a psychiatrist, he is a wonderful doctor for his patients. Thank you Dr. Mahgerefteh, see you again soon!
How to get your CAPS referral (numbered list)
- Call UCLA CAPS at (310) 825-0768. Ask for a referral for an off-campus psychiatrist. If you’re not sure what kind of care you need, CAPS will do a Triage Assessment first and issue the referral if appropriate.
- Find your referral number. CAPS will issue a referral valid for 12 months. Your referral (and referral number) will show up in your UCLA MyChart portal — that’s where all CAPS referrals live. Keep the number handy for when you book with us.
- Call us to book. Once you have your referral number, Call (310) 340-0089 or book online. We’ll capture the number at intake and bill Anthem directly. You don’t file any paperwork yourself.
What UC SHIP covers with us
Because we’re in-network with UC SHIP through Anthem Blue Cross, your visits are covered under your in-network mental health benefits once your referral is on file. We bill Anthem directly — nothing for you to submit. For your exact plan-year benefits, check with the SHIP Insurance Office ([email protected], 310-825-4073) or your Anthem member portal.
Your CAPS referral expires after 12 months
Your CAPS referral is valid for 12 months from the date it’s issued. To keep seeing us after that, call CAPS at (310) 825-0768 and request a renewal. We’ll send you a reminder when your renewal window is approaching. If your referral lapses, UC SHIP may not cover your next visit — please renew before it expires.
Frequently asked questions
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Yes. UC SHIP requires the CAPS referral for any off-campus mental health provider, even for continuing care.
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Your referral needs to be dated on or before your visit for UC SHIP to cover it — so the cleanest path is to get the referral first, then book. If you have an urgent need, call us and we’ll help you sequence the CAPS call quickly.
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CAPS issues a general referral for outpatient mental health. Our practice focuses on psychiatric medication management. If you need therapy in addition, ask CAPS about your options.
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No. Covered dependents may seek off-campus mental health care without a CAPS referral.
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When UC SHIP is your secondary coverage, your other insurance is primary for off-campus care (with limited exceptions). Call us at intake and we’ll sort it out.
Ready to book?
Have your CAPS referral number? Call Call (310) 340-0089 or Book online.
Don’t have your referral yet? Call UCLA CAPS at (310) 825-0768 first — then come back.
