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MSU SURVIVAL GUIDE: Mental health, well-being re
Ever Pratt-Hart
August 3, 2026
Starting college brings plenty of excitement, but it can also come with stress and unexpected challenges. As you adjust to life at Michigan State University, knowing where to find mental health and wellness re need it, too
To streamline accessibility of all campus health services, MSU practices a “no wrong door to support” approach. Regardless of which campus health office students make contact with first, they will be connected with the right support. To contact the office of University Health and Well-Being, call (517)-355-1855. To contact 24/7 crisis counseling, call (517)-355-8270
Alexis Travis, senior associate vice president of University Health and Well-Being (UHW) at MSU, emphasized that students should never feel like they can’t reach out to campus health services, and that MSU doesn’t expect students to know exactly what they’re experiencing or what unit can best help them
“Student wellbeing is foundational for academic success. They’re so closely intertwined,” Travis said. “If you’re not feeling your best, you can’t do your best. And so, when students are physically, emotionally, mentally well, they’re better able to focus on class, their performance, on exams, and engaging with other people.”
For students worried about the cost of care, MSU offers many free and low-cost services. MSU Health Care provides financial assistance to an extent for medically necessary services to those in need, regardless of their ability to pay. Some programs, such as Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS), the Re and the Center for Survivors, are all free of charge
“There’s a community of people who care and who are here for them (students), and we have services and supports that are designed specifically for them. Even if we don’t have something available to meet a student’s needs, we want to hear about it because we want to then be able to fill those gaps,” Travis said. “You don’t have to wait until there’s a crisis. Reach out; you don’t have to have everything figured out before asking for help.”
One of the best ways students can look out for each other is by educating themselves about mental health and removing stigma around seeking help
A new, free and virtual suicide prevention training is offered through MSU’s Ability Training Compliance platform, which is designed to help participants recognize warning signs, offer hope and connect someone to support, and is recommended for all members of the MSU community by UHW
“It’s important to be aware of the re able to help somebody else as well,” Dr. Travis said. “And if you’re not sure about how to help, it’s okay to reach out to CAPS Counseling and Psychological Services or CAPS Connect, where we have different sites for engagement across campus for guidance on how you can support your friend who might be experiencing challenges. The most important thing is not to ignore those concerns.”
Here is a list of need-to-know campus mental health and well-being re
CAPS provides individual and group counseling for students, offered in person or virtually, with 24/7 care. The CAPS Connect program also offers brief consultations at locations across campus for those who just want to learn about reveral colleges within the university offer on-site counselors who can support students in a location central to them
Campus Health Services
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Campus Health Services provides medication management for which your first three visits are free each academic year. It also provides psychiatry services for which your first three visits are free during your time at MSU. Immunizations, STI testing, radiology, gynecology and more are also offered
Center for Survivors
Center for Survivors provides counseling, workshops and advocacy to those impacted by sexual assault, relationship violence, stalking, sexual harassment and more. MSU Safe Place also provides shelter to survivors, and the Sexual Assault Healthcare Program offers 24/7 survivor-centered, trauma-informed care
MSU Food Bank and Basic Needs program
The MSU Food Bank and Basic Needs program helps students to meet their necessities with food and household items, no questions asked, at both the MSU Union and Olin Health Center. According to their website, the food bank almost always has fresh produce, bread and dairy available to pick up. Once students make an appointment, things like vegetables, fruits, soups, pasta, rice, various proteins, cereal, personal hygiene items and other household items are also available
Collegiate Recovery Community
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Collegiate Recovery Community offers connection and support for students in or seeking recovery from substance use disorder, as well as allies. This department provides weekly peer support meetings, individualized recovery and goal planning, recovery housing and various awareness trainings
Resources Center for Persons with Disabilities
The Re offers services and accommodations for students with disabilities. This service provides assistance like class accommodations and assistive technology for a variety of disabilities, from chronic health conditions to panic disorder. If there are any physical or mental health problems interfering with your ability to engage in certain tasks, RCPD may be able to offer some help
Spartan Resilience Education program
The Spartan Resilience Education program empowers Spartans to build resilience and navigate challenges before there’s a crisis by applying counseling-based skill-building in webinars and accessible formats. Topics include setting healthy boundaries, dealing with shame, navigating difficult times, building resilience and mindfulness practices
Spartan Orientation Station podcast
The Spartan Orientation Station podcast, hosted by Travis, discusses caring for your physical and mental health during college, highlighting key ret 89FM radio station, 88.9 FM, or on their website
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