Mental Health Policy
The College of Osteopathic Medicine offers access to mental health services through the Office of Wellness and Counseling and other resources available through Michigan State University. The Office of Wellness and Counseling abides by strict confidentiality practices and protection of students’ rights at all times. Upon a student’s initial appointment, the student will complete a Student Informed Consent to Services form. The Office follows The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) with all student data collected. If a student desires to share their information with a third party, such as during a referral process, the student will complete an Authorization for Release of Information form.
Procedures for Accessing Services
Students can contact counselors directly by e-mail or phone or schedule appointments through the office assistant at the East Lansing site central office. The assistant has access to each counselor’s schedule.
Office of Wellness and Counseling965 Wilson Road, Room C18-A
East Lansing, MI 48824-1316
(517) 884-2596
com.MSUCOMCARETeam@msu.edu
Fees
Services provided to MSUCOM students are available at no cost. For consultation and care management purposes, students are permitted to invite a significant other or family member to an appointment with express consent.
Scope of Practice
The office provides short-term counseling options for MSUCOM students. Service providers are licensed mental health counselors, which may include limited licensed psychologists, doctoral level licensed psychologists, licensed professional counselors, and clinical social workers. Consistent with the national average, most medical students seek a one-time consultation for assistance with their problems. The counselor combines motivational interviewing and solution- focused approaches in: 1) clarifying the student’s presenting concern(s); 2) assessing for risk and protective factors; 3) identifying appropriate interventions and resources for student.
Hours of Operation and Emergency Coverage
Generally, the East Lansing office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. There is some flexibility to arrange extended hours based on student circumstances. Students can schedule appointments (by drop-in, phone, or e-mail) through the office assistant in East Lansing or e-mailing the counselors directly. As counselor schedules allow, walk-ins are welcome, however, counselors may or may not be able to see students depending on their availability and the nature of the visit (e.g., student in crisis).
MSU Counseling and Psychiatric Services provides all students 24/7/365 after-hours and weekend phone access to an on-duty crisis therapist at 517-355-8270. In the event of an emergency, students should dial 9-1-1 or go to their local hospital emergency room.
Contact information for the director: John R. Taylor, Psy.D., Licensed Psychologist, taylo520@msu.edu
Informed Consent to Services and Intake Process
At intake, students complete a Student Informed Consent to Services form, which outlines the scope and terms of confidentiality. The student’s signature on the Informed Consent to Services Form will signify that he/she has read, understands, and agrees to the policy. When the counselor determines that a student poses a clear and present danger to himself/herself and/or to others, the clinician may selectively release information, without the student’s consent, to aid in the care and protection of the student or the endangered others. With any kind of reasonable suspicion of child maltreatment (a person under the age of 18), the counselor may selectively release information, without the student’s consent, to aid in the care and protection of that child. By state law, this office reports this information to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (Phone: 855-444-3911). Michigan-licensed mental health professionals are also required to report elder abuse and abuse of a vulnerable adult.
The Department PA Medicine faculty approved this student handbook and policies on March 16, 2020.
Revised and approved by the Faculty of the Department of PA Medicine on 3/19/2021, 3/15/2022, 4/18/2023.