Mental Health Benefits & Services
Your partner in
navigating
life’s challenges
Life’s challenges can be tough, but you don’t have to face them alone. We’re here to support you every step of the way.
We understand that even with excellent mental health benefits, personal or family mental health crises may need immediate attention.
Crisis Support
If you or a loved one are having an emergency, call 911.
Suicide Crisis Line: If you’re facing mental health struggles, emotional distress, alcohol or drug use concerns, or just need someone to talk to, caring counselors are here for you.
You are not alone.
Call 988 for support 24/7/365
The 988 Lifeline is free and confidential.
Veterans Crisis Line:
Call 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
and press 1; or text 838255.
Call the San Diego Access & Crisis Line at
Get immediate help in over 200 languages, available 24/7
San Diego Access & Crisis Line Live Chat
Available Mon – Fri
4 PM – 10 PM
Dial 7-1-1
(TTY)
Support
THROUGH YOUR
BENEFITS PLAN
Find an In-Network Therapist
WHERE TO START:
Understanding the mental health resources available to you in your health plan benefit network is the first step to finding a mental health professional that can best support your needs.
The California Schools VEBA Advocacy Team is your dedicated health care concierge. They can answer questions about your available benefits, help with scheduling appointments, bill payments, quality of care, find in-network provider, and more.
Learn more about the Advocacy Team and how they can help.
Short-Term
Support THROUGH
CalVEBA
Sometimes, finding the right mental health professional through your plan network takes time. At CalVEBA, we understand that life’s challenges often can’t wait. Urgent, short-term support is available through CalVEBA.
Optum Emotional Wellbeing Solutions (EWS)
Dedicated Consultants
CalVEBA members and their dependents (age 18+) can access a licensed mental health professional through Optum’s EWS program for confidential, no-cost support for life’s challenges.
Appointments Available Monday – Friday, 10 am – 7 pm
- Virtual
- In-person (Kearny Mesa and Carlsbad Resource Centers)
GET STARTED:
Visit https://bit.ly/optumvrc to create an Optum account and receive a verification code.
Once you enter the verification code, you will be prompted to book an appointment.
- Please select “Onsite service” to choose either in-person or virtual appointments. You will be offered a choice of in-person, video, telephone consult) once you have selected the date and time of the appointment.
Meet CalVEBA’s Optum EWS Dedicated Consultants
Crystal Powers
Partnering with Crystal Powers, you’ll gain the advantage of her 18 years of experience as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. Leveraging her expertise as a clinical trainer, Crystal offers expert guidance to enhance your mental health and well-being. She will help you identify key areas to focus on and provide techniques to achieve your desired balance.
Specialties:
- Grief/Loss
- Managing change
- Relationships
- Anxiety
- Depression
Mackenzie Hudson
As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Certified Yoga and Meditation Teacher, Mackenzie Hudson offers personalized, solution-focused, and collaborative care to support your healing, growth, and emotional well-being goals. By working with Mackenzie, you’ll receive holistic therapy that combines yoga, meditation, and cognitive strategies to enhance your mental and physical well-being.
Specialties:
- Life transitions
- Relationships
- Family concerns
- Workplace stress
- Anxiety
- Traumaapy
OPTUM EWS 24/7 SUPPORT
An Optum EWS Specialist can provide 24/7 confidential support with issues like:
- Stress management
- Relationship conflicts
- Child or eldercare
- Legal assistance
- Money management
- Grief & loss
- Work-life balance
- Communication strategies
To access your Optum EWS benefit:
Visit Live and Work Well (access code: VEBA)
Call 1-866-248-4096.
THERAPY THROUGH CALVEBA
Members can connect with a licensed therapist for urgent support, providing a crucial link to professional care and bridging the gap between your care needs and the services provided by your medical group. Therapists are available for virtual and in-person services, Monday through Friday, from 1 pm – 7 pm.
Meet Our Therapist
Kalena Riffenburgh, PhD.
Kalena Riffenburgh, a licensed clinical psychologist, will guide you in transforming into new, richer ways of being. You’ll receive compassionate, personalized therapy that is research-based and tailored to your needs. Recognizing that you are the expert of your own unique experience, Kalena focuses on understanding and supporting your journey.
Specialties:
- Couples
- Adults
- Families
- Children
Experience In:
- Stress management
- Relationships
- Workplace issues
- Life transitions
- Parenting
- Anxiety/depression
- Food/substance dependency
- Trauma
- Grief
Languages:
- English
- French
Important Note: Please indicate in your appointment booking “Notes” if you are seeking adult, couples, family, or youth therapy.
Childcare
Need Childcare During your Appointment?
Childcare is free to all CalVEBA members using services at the Kearny Mesa Resource Center.
Complete this form to submit your childcare request or call (619) 398-4220.
Support Your Journey to a Healthier Mind
MENTAL WELL-BEING HUB
Enhance your mental health and build resilience with tools designed to help you cultivate a balanced and fulfilling life. Visit our Mental Well-Being Hub for valuable resources, including a stress management calendar, daily affirmations, and a decluttering guide.
COMMUNITY RESOURCES
Discover insightful articles, journals and resources related to different topics that support your mental health and wellbeing. Visit our Community Resources page for additional mental health resources.