Concern for Personal Well-being

Many students experience difficult situations and personal concerns while in college.  The number of students seeking assistance for mental health concerns has increased significantly in recent years.  College can be a stressful time. Balancing all of life’s demands such as coursework, social connections, and family can be overwhelming. The University of Michigan has resources available to assist and support students who are experiencing mental health distress.

While each person’s experience is different, below are some signs that could indicate concern:

  • Difficulty sleeping
  • Inability to focus on assignments or coursework
  • Excessive worrying
  • Difficulty making decisions
  • Feelings of hopelessness, loneliness, and sadness
  • Thoughts of destruction and self-harm

If you or someone you know is experiencing some of these signs connect with the campus resources below to receive support and guidance.

Campus Resources :

* What is helpful to some students is not necessarily helpful to all.  Below are the general resources available on campus and within the community.  If you are seeking additional resources or the options below are not meeting your needs, please do not hesitate to reach out to the Dean of Students Office directly. You can call 734-764-7420, email [email protected], or visit the office in-person.

  • Connect with Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS)

    • CAPS counselors offer free short term mental health care for enrolled UM students. They also assist with referrals to community providers for longer term care on a sliding scale fee basis, when needed.  CAPS website offers a wealth of information that is helpful to students, parents, faculty, and other concerned persons. After hours, you can still call to connect with a counselor by phone.
      • Phone: (734) 764-8312

  • Connect with University Health Service (UHS)

    • Physicians are available to help with evaluation of mental health symptoms and medical treatment when needed. Addiction and recovery support needs are also supported. UHS physicians are able to make a referral for specialized mental health or addiction and recovery services when necessary. Enrolled students may be seen at no cost by UHS staff.
      • Phone: 734-764-8320

  • Connect with University of Michigan Psychiatric Emergency Service (PES)

    • Emergency Psychiatric Services are available 24/7/365.
      • Phone: 734-996-4747
      • Crisis phone service: 734-936-5900

If you have an immediate concern for your or a student’s personal safety, call 911.

  • Calling 911 will likely initiate a well-being check, which sends a police officer to the residence of the person of concern.  Once there, the police determine if transport to the hospital is needed. The University of Michigan and Ann Arbor first responders are the primary response system for students experiencing suicidal feelings or behaviors, including making statements about intending suicide. Michigan Medicine includes a psychiatric emergency room (PES). Additional hospitals in the Ann Arbor area are also available for students.

Other Things to Consider

  • Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD)
    • SSD staff help students with diagnosed medical and mental health conditions to obtain learning accommodation services essential to student success.
    • Phone: 734-763-3000
  • Wolverine Wellness - Wellness Coaching
    • Wellness coaching is a holistic approach to examining how personal wellbeing interacts with one's values, goals, and motivations. Wellness coaching could be a good fit if you are considering changes to optimize your personal health and wellness, or looking to positively shift certain aspects of your life. This is a free service for students.
  • Academic Concerns
    • Mental health may impact a student’s academic performance.  The Dean of Students (DOS) staff can share resources available through U-M and the community to help students remain healthy and successfus.  DOS can also provide help navigating university policy and procedures around academic concerns.

Additional mental health information and resources:

To learn more, please contact DOS by email at [email protected] or by phone at 734-764-7420.