Michigan State University launches pilot partnership with Uwill to expand mental health service capacity for students
April 22, 2022
East Lansing, Mich.,— Michigan State University is expanding its capacity for mental health services for students through a pilot partnership with leading teletherapy platform UWill. The pilot is expected to launch May 15.
Through the partnership, UWill services will act as an extension of the university’s Counseling and Psychiatric Services (CAPS) department, providing students with free video, phone, chat and message sessions with licensed mental health professionals. UWill is a National Association of Student Personnel Administrators Educational Partner.
MSU President Samuel L. Stanley Jr., M.D., noted that student well-being is a top priority for the university, adding that MSU offers a number of resources and services to meet students’ needs.
“A key component of the university’s strategic plan is our objective to meet students’ mental and physical health needs,” Stanley said. “We are continuing to evaluate ways we can better support our students, and this partnership is the latest step toward bolstering our on- and off-campus offerings.”
CAPS sees thousands of students each year and works to connect students with the most appropriate available care and services to enhance their well-being. When a student completes a consultation with a CAPS team member, they receive recommendations for trusted on- or off-campus services or resources.
Mark Patishnock, CAPS director, said the pilot partnership with UWill reflects MSU’s commitment to supporting students’ mental health.
“With this pilot program, we will have another tool we can recommend for students who may benefit from teletherapy sessions,” Patishnock said. “We know that investing in students’ well-being enables them to be successful during and after their time at MSU, and this is one more way we can support our students.”
In fall 2021, the university also partnered with ThrivingCampus, an online platform which serves as a directory of area mental health providers. The platform is open to MSU students, employees, retirees and their minor children.
Beyond mental health services, Patishnock also highlighted the university’s investment in on-campus services through the Health Promotion department, Student Health Services and others that support students’ well-being.
“We often see students who can also benefit from Health Promotion services like wellness coaching, nutrition and body image education, substance use education or others to optimize their well-being and success,” Patishnock said. “Our partners in Student Health Services also play a critical role in supporting students’ mental health needs. I’m proud to work with colleagues around campus who work tirelessly to help students succeed.”
To learn more about MSU’s health and well-being resources for students, visit studenthealth.msu.edu.
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About Michigan State University
Michigan State University has been advancing the common good with uncommon will for more than 165 years. One of the world's leading research universities, MSU pushes the boundaries of discovery to make a better, safer, healthier world for all while providing life-changing opportunities to a diverse and inclusive academic community through more than 200 programs of study in 17 degree-granting colleges.
For MSU news on the web, go to MSU Today. Follow MSU News on Twitter at twitter.com/MSUnews.About Counseling and Psychiatric Services (CAPS)
The CAPS department at Michigan State University aims to connect students with the most appropriate available care and services that optimize their health, well-being and success. CAPS offers short-term individual, group and relationship counseling, as well as psychiatry, 24/7 crisis counseling, post-hospitalization care, outreach services and more. CAPS is committed to creating a welcoming, safe, inclusive, equitable and affirming environment for each student. To learn more about CAPS, visit caps.msu.edu.
About Uwill
Uwill has become the leading mental health and wellness solution for colleges and students. Utilizing its proprietary technology and counselor team, the company offers users an immediate connection to an available therapist based on their unique needs and preferences. Uwill's secure environment facilitates video, phone, chat and message sessions. In addition, Uwill offers 24/7/365 emergency assistance, and instructor-led events to complement therapy. Its proprietary tool, Ucollaborate, allows for seamless coordination of care and full transparency with campus health centers. Uwill has been described by mental health advocates as the most effective and cost-efficient way to support students. Clients include the University of San Francisco, Reed College, University of California, and New Mexico State University - Alamogordo. Uwill is the teletherapy education partner for NASPA. For more information, visit uwill.com.