Support Groups focus on building community and connecting over shared identities or experiences. Students who are seeking validation, a space to process difficult experiences or feelings of isolation, or who want to learn how to cope via different perspectives may benefit from this type of group. These groups require a group screening and consistent attendance is encouraged.
Connect with other students who have a bipolar diagnosis and are facing similar challenges and questions. The group is a place to talk about difficult topics like stigma, medications and symptoms related to a mood disorder. Open to both undergraduate and graduate students of all genders.
Fridays 3–4:30 p.m.
Status: In Person
Facilitator: Sarah De Young, LMSW
Group Begins September 22nd, 2023
Tuesdays, 4–5 p.m.
Status: In-person
Facilitator: Basak Khamush, PhD, LP & Zari Carpenter, MA
Group Begins September 19
Facilitator: Abby Baerman, LMSW & Chasma Mathis, Psy.D., LP
Fridays 10-11 a.m.
Group Begin September 22
Status: Virtual
Facilitators: Jessica Oyoque-Barron, LMSW & Ciera Lewis, PhD
Have you experienced the loss of a loved one? Modern cultures usually do a poor job of preparing us for loss. Grief is messy and not a linear process. Few know how to think about grief or how we might be able to help ourselves and others. Grief support groups are a helpful way to learn about the grieving process and how it affects all areas of our lives. Grief groups can also connect us with others who have experienced a similar loss, making us feel less lonely, and normalizing the experience
of grief. To learn more or to schedule a pre-screen, contact Abigail Waller at wallera@msu.edu.
Wednesdays, 3– 4 p.m.
Status: In Person
Group Begins September 20
Facilitators: Abigail Waller, LMSW & Ashley Seelye
The novel coronavirus outbreak has significantly affected many families and students on a global scale. With the “travel ban” or visa restriction that has been issued, some MSU students were unable to return to school or home and are feeling isolated and unable to connect.
In response to instances of international students being the target of xenophobia on campus, we are providing a supportive space for students to connect, share and support each other, particularly international students.
Mondays, 4–5 p.m.
Status: In Person
Group Begins September 18
Facilitator: Zen Zhong, LLPC
Do you live with a chronic, physical illness like diabetes, asthma, Crohn’s, or fibromyalgia? Have you felt angry, frustrated or isolated because of your condition? These feelings are all common. You don’t have to navigate this journey alone.
This group is a safe, non-judgmental space to share about your individual experiences, symptom management and how to navigate challenges that you might encounter as a college student.
Thursdays, 3– 4 p.m.
Status: Virtual
Group Begins September 21st, 2023
Facilitators: Caitlin Riley, LMSW & Aniko Varga, MA
This support group is open to any RA looking to connect with their peers with the facilitation of a CAPS counselor. Discussion topics could include general stress, balancing the RA role with academics and other activities, and debriefing about individual experiences.
Fridays 1-2 p.m.
Status: In Person
Group Begins September 22
Facilitators: Sarah Fay-Koutz, LMSW & Alexis Kirk
This space is about supporting and empowering one another through shared experiences. Topics could include transition, family, relationship dynamics, exploring values and identity, navigating cultural expectations and building community. This group is for undergraduate students only.
Thursdays, 2–3 p.m.
Group Begins September 21
Status: In-person
Facilitators: Chasma Mathis, Psy.D., LP & Jacob Kellenberger
This skills-based support group is designed for students who are new to the university, having difficulty adjusting to their new campus life, looking for peers interested in improving their overall well-being and discussing mental health topics, and new students looking to gain concrete skills for managing some of the challenges we face in daily life in relation to our general outlook on life.
Wednesdays 4-5 p.m.
Group Begins September 18
Status: In person
Facilitators: Courtney Brown, LMSW & Sarah Fay-Koutz, LMSW