Counseling and Psychiatric Services

The Michigan State University Counseling & Psychiatric Services (CAPS) offers the following information for parents and guardians:

Listen to our Podcast as we interview Mark F. Patishnock, Ph.D. who is working in CAPS. He talks about all the work they have been doing with CAPS at Michigan State University. He also mentions resources on campus to help improve our mental health Click here!

The college years can be a time of both excitement and stress for students and their parents. Students face numerous challenges while at college, such as choosing and preparing for a career path, developing peer and romantic relationships, and learning about their own unique values and identities. Sometimes these challenges can lead to difficulties.

Problems that students sometimes experience while in college include difficulties with depression, anxiety, stress management, substance abuse, eating/body image issues, or relationship concerns. Learning or attention-related problems also occasionally arise during the college years. If these problems are not addressed, they may result in emotional, academic, or social difficulties for the student. CAPS can often help students resolve their concerns so they can feel better and get “back on track” with their academic work.

Often, parents are among the first people to notice when their student is experiencing difficulties. If this happens, parents are encouraged to contact CAPS to discuss strategies for helping their student. Such strategies may include encouraging the student to take advantage of on-campus resources such as CAPS.

We recommend parents explore the Counseling & Psychiatric Services website to learn more about the specific services we offer to students and staff.

Mental Health Emergencies

If you believe that your student is experiencing a mental health emergency (that is, their safety or the safety of others is at immediate risk), call for help immediately by contacting 911 or the MSU Police Department's 24-hour desk at 517-355-2221 or click here for the on- and off-campus emergency numbers.

Wanting to assist your student?

If you are concerned about your student’s mental health, the MSU Counseling & Psychiatric Services offers the following strategies for having a discussion with your student about mental health:

• Offer Supportive Feedback:  In a supportive manner, let your student know the reasons you are concerned. Be sure to be specific about what you have observed.
• Normalize the Student’s Experience:  It is not unusual for students to have their first encounter with depression or anxiety during this time of transition and life changes. It may help your student know that because college can be stressful, many students experience some temporary depression or anxiety while in college.
• Clarify Expectations and Roles:  College is a time when students and their parents experience changes in their roles and expectations for each other. In most cases, students benefit when parents and students clarify their expectations as well as the consequences of not meeting these expectations.
• Encourage the Student to Meet with a Counselor:  It might help your student to know that they may come to CAPS for one session to see whether or not counseling is the right solution for them. In other words, coming to CAPS for a consultation meeting does not obligate the student to continue in counseling. Our staff are interested in helping each student determine what interventions might work best for them. Sometimes counseling is a good strategy; at other times, non-counseling strategies are more helpful.