uc Santa Cruz

COACHING

Coaching sessions offer a virtual gathering place where a UC Santa Cruz student/staff member and a wellness coach can gather for connection, care, and accompaniment.

Having trouble booking your appointment? Check out this simple guide.

You can learn about our coaching services agreement here.

faq’S

  • On the Margins (OTM) offers one-on-one virtual coaching sessions for individuals seeking to enhance or improve a specific area of their personal, social, academic, or professional life. Each 50-minute session provides a supportive space where clients can connect with a wellness coach for reflection, care, and meaningful dialogue.

    Coaching at OTM is trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and solution-focused. Coaches work to create welcoming conditions where individuals can explore strategies to sustain health, well-being, and performance. Sessions often build upon themes explored in group settings and allow for deeper one-on-one processing and reflection.

    Please note: Coaching at OTM is not psychotherapy. While coaching and therapy may share similar tools and skills, they serve different purposes. If therapeutic support is needed, a referral to UCSC’s Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) or other appropriate providers will be offered.

  • Coaching is for individuals who are looking to gain clarity, build on strengths, and take action toward their goals. It is especially well-suited for those wanting to enhance performance, well-being, or leadership capacity in a supportive and forward-focused setting.

    Coaching is not intended for individuals in crisis or in need of clinical mental health treatment.

  • OTM coaches do not diagnose or treat mental health disorders. Coaching does not include treatment planning, psychological evaluations, or in-depth exploration of underlying mental health concerns. If deeper clinical or therapeutic support is needed, we will help connect you with appropriate resources, such as UCSC’s Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS).

  • Each one-on-one coaching session lasts 50 minutes and is held virtually through a HIPAA-compliant platform.

  • If you are experiencing a psychiatric emergency, substance use crisis, or are having thoughts of harming yourself or others, please seek immediate support:

    • Call 911

    • Call or text 988 – National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (24/7)

    • Text HOME to 741741 – Crisis Text Line (24/7 support)

    Coaching is not a crisis service. If you’re unsure whether coaching is the right fit, feel free to reach out and we’ll guide you to the support that best fits your needs.

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Testimonials

  • A person with long hair in a polka dot dress standing outdoors in front of a hedge.

    “Through On the Margins, I was able to target my struggles of setting boundaries with others and more firmly define time for myself and my own mental health.” - Daniela Obeso

  • Black and white image of a person smiling, wearing a "Wolverine's" T-shirt with long hair.

    “On the Margins really brought light into my life when I felt as though there wouldn’t be any until much later. They helped me so much that I recommended it to my best friend, and she came out of a session feeling much better and has shared that she too will continue to schedule more appointments.” - María Dolores Castillo

Crisis Assistance and Suicide

Prevention. CALL 831-459-2628

(Choose option 3 after hours)

On the Margins does not offer crisis assistance. If you are a UCSC student who is experiencing an immediate crisis situation, phone CAPS at (831) 459-2628 and indicate the reason you need a same-day crisis appointment.