Leading into Mental Health Awareness Month, 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, or CAPS, 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 several 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 connects them with the most appropriate available care and services to enhance their well-being. When students complete a consultation with a CAPS team member, they receive recommendations for trusted on- or off-campus services or resources.

CAPS Director Mark Patishnock 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 that 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.