Before You Get Started
Some law students worry that getting help in dealing with stress or other mental health issues will create problems in getting licensed by state bar organizations. There is no need to be concerned about this.
Finding Support and Assistance
The Office of Student Life staff is available to the student community to provide support and advice. Law students are welcome to share their problems and concerns, large or small, whether or not they seem related to the Law School. You may want to make the Office of Student Life your first stop when you are experiencing distress or need help finding appropriate resources.
Counseling and Treatment
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Law School Embedded CAPS Psychologist
The University of Michigan Law School has a full-time embedded CAPS psychologist, Dr. Reena Sheth, available to provide brief (3-5 sessions) individual therapy services for currently enrolled law students.
Her services are free and confidential.
Students interested in services should email Dr. Sheth ([email protected]) to request an “Initial Consultation.”
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Uwill Teletherapy Services
Uwill is an addition to CAPS services that provides students with video, phone, chat, and message sessions with licensed mental health professionals at no cost. This additional counseling option offers students greater flexibility and allows CAPS to expand its service capacity.
Students can:
- Access, without referral, 6 free counseling appointments per year through Uwill
- Schedule appointments at flexible times, including night and weekend options
- Choose from a diverse network of mental health providers licensed in all 50 states and worldwide
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Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS Central)
Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) has a professional staff that includes social workers, psychologists, and trainees. Brief individual counseling is available to students for a wide range of personal and interpersonal concerns as well as for problem-solving and referral to other campus organizations. The agency also provides a variety of group experiences, including ongoing group counseling and workshops on such topics overcoming anxiety, perfectionism, and emotion regulation.
Michigan Union, 530
S. State Street, Suite 4079
Phone: 734.764.8312
Hours: Monday-Friday 8 a.m.–5 p.m., Sat-Sun ClosedOnline scheduling is available to schedule an Initial Consultation at CAPS (Central, not with Dr. Sheth).
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Urgent and Crisis Resources (During Business Hours - Virtual)
A Counselor on Duty is available for those students who are in crisis or have an urgent need to be seen by a counselor.
- Counselor on Duty is available Monday-Fridays: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- To see CAPS Counselor on Duty for urgent/crisis needs, email CAPS Virtual Front Desk at [email protected]. The Virtual Front Desk will provide next steps which will include completing intake or basic information forms. At that point, you will be able to talk with a counselor as soon as possible.
The CAPS Virtual Front Desk is available to receive emails 24/7 but responds to emails between 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.
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Urgent and Crisis Services (After Business Hours)
Dial the CAPS phone number (734.764.8312) and press “0” to speak to a trained mental health professional after hours for urgent and crisis matters. Mental health phone services are provided after hours, weekends, and holidays. When you call, you will be connected with a licensed mental health provider for support.
U-M Psychiatric 24-Hour Emergency Services; next to Emergency Medicine at University Hospital, 1500 East Medical Center Drive.
- 24-hour crisis line: 734.996.4747
- Anyone seeking emergency psychiatric care can visit this 24-hour mental health crisis center or call the crisis line.
Support Organizations and Referrals
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Campus Mind Works
Campus Mind Works was created to support University of Michigan students who have been diagnosed with an ongoing mental health disorder. This site provides information and resources to help students manage their illness, such as treatments, medications, insurance, and strategies for managing academic challenges. You will find an extensive, easy-to-search resource database with U-M and community support services and useful tools to help you stay healthy while facing the unique challenges of academic life.
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Comprehensive Depression Center (U-M)
The University of Michigan Depression Center was created to fight depression and its cousin, bipolar disorder. You can find information and treatment options for these common disorders, as well as others, on their website.
Rachel Upjohn Building
4250 Plymouth Road
Ann Arbor, MI 48105-2700
1.800.475.MICH (6424) or 734.936.4400 -
Depression Toolkit
Created by the professionals at the University of Michigan Depression Center, the nation’s first ever multidisciplinary center dedicated to depressive and bipolar illnesses, this site brings together world class resources from across the University of Michigan and the U-M Health System with a common purpose: to understand, diagnose, treat, and eventually prevent depression.
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Lawyers and Judges Assistance Program
The Lawyers and Judges Assistance Program (LJAP) provides support to lawyers, judges, and law students who are dealing with mental illnesses, substance abuse, and other challenges in life. LJAP is especially well suited to help law students who are worried that their history of mental health and/or substance abuse–related incidents may be of concern to passing the Character and Fitness portion of the Bar exam, which is required to become a licensed attorney in the state of Michigan.
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MiTalk (U-M)
MiTalk (pronounced “My Talk”) is a website created for University of Michigan students and is the place to start if you have concerns about the mental health of yourself or a friend. On this site you will find a number of mental health resources, including information about living with chronic health conditions, online screenings for depression and anxiety, skill-building tools to help you manage stress and academic life, and digitally recorded workshops, lectures, and some relaxation exercises that you can play on the website or download to your mp3 player.
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Rackham Mental Health Resources
The Rackham Graduate School has compiled a comprehensive listing of mental health resources.
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Sexual Misconduct: Policy and Support
The University of Michigan and its Law School take very seriously cases involving sexual assault or harassment.
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U-M Psychological Clinic
500 E. Washington St., Suite 100
Phone: 734.764.3471 (appointment required)
The Psychological Clinic offers therapy for many difficulties and concerns, including, but not limited to, depression and anxiety, personal relationship problems, school and career difficulties, confusion or concern about sexual identities or preferences, problems dealing with an upsetting or traumatic event, and loss of a loved one or close relationship.
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University of Michigan Support Groups
Counseling and Psychological Services sponsors several support groups on a variety of issues ranging from depression, chronic illness, LGBTQ, recovery and more.
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Wolverine Wellness Coaching
Wellness coaching uses a person’s own motivations and strengths and supports behavior change(s) through a collaborative, non-judgmental partnership. Wellness coaches work with students to help them set and achieve wellness goals, balance dimensions of health and wellness, and learn resilience and coping skills for a well life.
For International Students
International students may experience some difficulties that are unique to them because of added pressure of adjusting to a new culture, language, and a different academic environment.
For many international students, counseling may not be a common practice. However, in the United States, counseling is becoming a more common way of dealing with personal stress and difficulties.
All U-M students have access to professional counselors. Talking with a professional counselor allows you the opportunity to discuss your concerns with someone in a safe, friendly, and culturally sensitive environment.
Paying for Services
Sometimes you may need health services that you must pay for on your own. If so, and if you need financial assistance, please contact the Law School’s Office of Financial Aid at 734.764.5289 or visit 2200 Jeffries Hall.