Based on feedback from the survivor community and recommendations from the Michigan State University Relationship Violence and Sexual Misconduct Expert Advisory Workgroup, the MSU Board of Trustees has expanded the medical services eligible for reimbursement under the Counseling and Mental Health Services Fund.
Beginning April 1, expenses for FDA-approved prescription medications as well as services from limited licensed psychologists and inpatient hospitalization following a mental health diagnosis will be covered by the fund. In February, the fund was also expanded to cover services from telehealth providers.
“Our goal is to support survivors in obtaining the counseling and mental health services they need,” said Dianne Byrum, chairperson of the Board of Trustees. “The enhancements to the fund coverage are a direct result of feedback from survivors and their advocates. We appreciate them working with the university to improve this resource.”
The administrator of the Counseling and Mental Health Services Fund, New Directions Behavioral Health, is updating reimbursement request forms as well as the instructions for obtaining reimbursement. Information will be available via the Our Commitment website on April 1.
“These unprecedented times bring heightened awareness to the need for telehealth services and access to quality, comprehensive health care,” said MSU President Samuel L. Stanley Jr, M.D. “The survivors have expressed the need for the fund to be expanded to cover more of the mental health support they seek and I’m glad we can make it available to them.”
