Psychiatric Disabilities

Welcome

Michigan State University provides academic and workplace services and accommodations to individuals with psychiatric disabilities. A psychiatric disability is a diagnosed mental illness or disorder that substantially limits one or more major life activities, such as learning and performing essential job functions. (more information about psychiatric disabilities).

Services available through RCPD include: discussion of possible accommodations based on psychiatric evaluation, written certification of eligibility for accommodations, and assistance developing strategies for achieving desired levels of academic, employment and personal success. Full-time disability specialists coordinate disability type programs, and are also available for consultation to evaluate and address the needs of students, faculty and employees.

Getting Started with RCPD (MyProfile)

Log on to the MyProfile page with your MSU NetID and password to register with the Resource Center for Persons with Disabilities. MyProfile provides online forms and initiates communication with a Disability Specialist.

Documentation

Documentation required to verify the condition and severity, includes completion of the Psychiatric Condition Documentation form or provision of equivalent information to the RCPD by a medical professional with appropriate training and credentials.

After documentation of a disability has been provided and a needs assessment is completed, reasonable accommodations are determined. RCPD will provide a verification letter that includes: (a) verification of disability and status as a student or employee registered with the RCPD (b) an outline of reasonable accommodations.

Students will receive a Verified Individualized Services and Accommodations letter, otherwise known as a VISA.

Employees will receive a Statement of Employee Accommodation Determination letter, otherwise known as a SEAD.

Confidentiality

RCPD adheres to strict standards of confidentiality in the management of student information. Since RCPD is the only holder of disability documentation, all disability-related documentation should be directed to RCPD (not other campus departments).

Requesting Accommodations

RCPD recognizes that accommodations may be required in order to assist individuals in maximizing their educational and workplace experience at MSU. While the university is required to provide reasonable accommodations, it is not required to change essential academic requirements or job functions.

Before Requesting Accommodations, students and employees must Identify and Register as a person with a disability and provide appropriate documentation of their disability to RCPD. Employees should refer to the Reasonable Accommodations Policy for University Applicants and Employees, for the procedure on requesting worksite accommodations.

Students and employees with a psychiatric disability may be eligible to receive the following accommodations facilitated by RCPD:

• Alternative Testing
• Housing Accommodations
• Notetaking Assistance

Resources

• Community Mental Health (Clinton, Eaton, Ingham)
• Counseling Center Private Practice Database
• Faculty and Staff Resources (through MSU Counseling Center)
• Freedom from Fear
• Job Accommodation Network
• Mental Health America
• MSU Counseling Center
• MSU Psychological Clinic
• MSU Psychiatry Clinic
• MSU Employee Assistance Program
• National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline:  1-800-273-TALK (8255)
• Olin Psychiatry
• SAMHSA’S National Mental Health Information Center
• Self-Help Books and Internet Resources
• Sparrow Behavioral Health Services
• Tutoring programs
• Veterans Affairs Mental Health Services 
  

Building Community

MSU provides many venues for collaboration and community building on disability issues. Please consider becoming involved in organizations including:

• Council for Students with Disabilities
• President's Advisory Committee on Disability Issues
• Accommodating Technology Committee
• Active Minds
• MSU Counseling Center Therapy Groups
• MSU Employee Assistance Program Groups
• Child & Family Services Capital Area

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have further questions that have not been answered on this page, please refer to the Psychiatric Disabilities FAQ.

Contact Information

John Pedraza Psychiatric Disabilities (517) 884-1906

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