UC Davis Health recognized for advancing stigma-free access to mental health care for health workers

UC Davis Health has been recognized as a 2026 Wellbeing First Champion by the Dr. Lorna Breen Heroes Foundation, a national coalition working to remove barriers to mental health care for health workers.

The designation is awarded to organizations that have taken clear steps to eliminate intrusive or stigmatizing mental health questions from licensing and credentialing applications. Such questions have been identified as barriers that can discourage health workers from seeking care.

“Asking for help can be difficult and we want to encourage people to seek and accept support when they need it," said Sara Aghamohammadi, M.D., chief wellness officer at UC Davis Health. “Even small barriers can have a real impact, and this recognition reflects our commitment to making support as accessible as possible to the people who show up every day to care for patients."

Removing barriers to care

Across the country, health workers report concerns about how seeking mental health care could affect their professional standing. Historically, some licensing and credentialing processes have included questions that go beyond current impairment and instead focus on past mental health history.

Efforts such as the Wellbeing First Champion designation aim to change that standard.

By removing stigmatizing language and focusing only on an individual’s current ability to practice safely, organizations help ensure health workers can seek support without fear of professional repercussions.

Support available for staff

UC Davis Health offers a range of confidential resources to support employees when they need them, including:

• The Support U Peer Responder Program, which provides peer-to-peer support for staff experiencing stress or trauma related to patient care by connecting employees with trained colleagues for private, compassionate conversations.
• The Academic and Staff Assistance Program (ASAP), which offers free, confidential counseling, consultation and referrals for work or personal challenges for employees and their families.
• Employee Well-being and WorkLife programs, which provide resources to support employees’ day-to-day responsibilities, including family support, well-being resources, and tools to help employees stay engaged and balanced at work and at home.

Part of a national movement

The Wellbeing First Champion designation is part of the ALL IN: Wellbeing First for Healthcare initiative, led by the Dr. Lorna Breen Heroes Foundation. The initiative brings together health systems, licensing boards and national organizations committed to improving access to mental health care across the health care workforce.

Organizations recognized as Champions must attest that their applications are free from stigmatizing language and demonstrate ongoing communication with their workforce about safe access to mental health care.

Ongoing commitment

The Wellbeing First Champion designation is reviewed annually, requiring organizations to maintain these standards over time.

For UC Davis Health, the recognition signals alignment with a broader national effort to reduce stigma and support the well-being of the health care workforce through policy change. Visit the Best Employer Awards page to learn more about UC Davis Health’s recognition for company culture, mental well-being and more.