Faculty and staff struggling with life’s challenges find help at the University of Michigan, where support is available year-round on all three campuses and at Michigan Medicine.
Helping employees know about these resources is a key goal of National Mental Health Month, observed each year in May.
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“We are here for you, for all the many ways that mental health shows up in your life,” says Kelcey Stratton, program manager of Resiliency and Well-being Services for Michigan Medicine.
“Support, being heard, and reaching out can change everything for you. It’s okay if you don’t have it all figured out. We listen, offer guidance, and are here when you need us.”
Like physical well-being, mental health is a continuum. At any point in time, everyone finds themselves at different states of emotional health. Some may be struggling, some may be doing okay, and some may be thriving. No matter where one is on that continuum, the university offers services that can support them.
Counseling services for faculty and staff
In-person counseling: Confidential short-term counseling is always available to university faculty, staff, retirees and their adult family members at no charge. Visit the website at myumi.ch/JWYqM.
Michigan Medicine employees can contact the Office of Counseling and Workplace Resilience at 734-763-5409 or [email protected] or visit the website at myumi.ch/L1j19.
Ann Arbor, Dearborn and Flint campus employees can contact the Faculty and Staff Counseling and Consultation Office at 734-936-8660 or [email protected], or visit the website at myumi.ch/aMm4X.
Additional resources to support mental and emotional health
Online screenings: Confidential and anonymous online mental health screenings are available any time for conditions such as depression, bipolar disorder, generalized anxiety disorder and more. Visit the website at myumi.ch/Jg87Y.
Health plan benefits: All U-M health plans cover mental and behavioral health services like counseling, therapy and substance abuse treatment. Visit the website at myumi.ch/a8g1K.
Mental and emotional wellness events: Several support groups are available throughout the year for those facing stress or life-changing events. In May there is a series on grief and coping with loss for health care providers. Departments and units can also request a workshop on a topic relevant to their area. Visit the website at myumi.ch/L4vXj.
“We hope that everyone can grow more comfortable with talking about mental health and emotional experience,” Stratton says. “Just checking in with someone and offering a moment of presence and empathy can be valuable to someone going through a difficult time.”
