A new service available to UC faculty and staff is Tess, a 24/7 chatbot which provides emotional support, psychoeducation and check-ins to aid your mental health and well-being. Similar to an automated self-help book, Tess simulates how a human would behave as a conversational partner while providing clinically proven coping skills and strategies based on expressed emotion.

If at any time during a chat session with Tess an individual wishes to speak to, or schedule an appointment with a counselor, Tess will provide the IMPACT phone number and/or emergency response services depending on the need.

Tess expands your options of care and breaks down barriers to mental health support for individuals who may not access services through traditional channels. Tess meets all HIPAA requirements, and is available 24/7 on demand.

Tess is available by texting ”Hi” to =1(415)360-0023. Start code: bearcats.