Psychiatric Disabilities

RCPD provides services and accommodations to persons with psychiatric disabilities for both academic and workplace settings. Before receiving accommodations, students and employees must Identify and Register as a person with a disability and provide appropriate documentation of their disability to RCPD.

Step 1: Self-Identify

To get started in the process of registering with RCPD, start by self-identifying as a person with a disability. Use your MSU NetID and password to log into the MyProfile system to create a profile and initiate contact with RCPD. This process will then assign you to an Ability Access Specialist.

Step 2: Disability Documentation

Submit documentation to your assigned Ability Access Specialist. The disability documentation is necessary to verify the presence and impacts of your disability. For Psychiatric Disabilities, the Psychiatric Documentation form (or equivalent information) should be completed by a licensed mental health professional.

Step 3: Needs Assessment

Once your Ability Access Specialist has received sufficient disability documentation, they will reach out to arrange a Needs Assessment meeting. During this meeting reasonable accommodations are discussed and determined.

The MSU Disability and Reasonable Accommodation Policy provides additional guidance.

RCPD recognizes that accommodations may be required in order to assist individuals in maximizing their educational and workplace experience at MSU. While the university provides reasonable accommodations, we do not change essential academic requirements or job functions. Accommodation determinations are based on documentation and an individualized needs assessment.

The MSU Disability and Reasonable Accommodation Policy provides additional guidance.

Student Accommodations

Students will receive a Verified Individualized Services and Accommodations letter, otherwise known as a VISA. The VISA is the primary method for students to communicate their RCPD approved accommodations to course instructors. A similar document that performs the same functions as a VISA for students with conditions of a temporary nature is known as a VISTA.

Students registered with the RCPD should contact their assigned specialist by phone, email, or by scheduling a meeting to request their VISA.

• The VISA typically has an expiration date, so students will need to request an updated VISA at least 2 weeks prior to when a current VISA is needed.
• Accommodations are not retroactive and will not apply to events or situations that occurred prior to the student notifying and providing a copy of the VISA to the course instructor.
• Accommodations can be updated at anytime and students should reach out to their assigned specialist to discuss this further.

Employee Accommodations

Employees will receive a Statement of Employee Accommodation Determination letter, otherwise known as a SEAD. The SEAD is issued by the Office of Employee Relations (OER), when an accommodation is granted. The employee should then work with their supervisor to discuss implementation of the SEAD.

The 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).

The RCPD staff are designated as mandatory reporters and must promptly report incidents of sexual harassment, sexual violence, sexual misconduct, stalking, and relationship violence that are observed or learned about in their professional capacity and involve a member of the university community or occurred at a university-sponsored event or on university property.

RCPD Ability Access Specialists are committed to an active partnership with students and employees who make reasonable accommodation requests through our office. In the case you experience a disagreement regarding disability determination or appropriateness of accommodations, you may consider taking the steps outlined in our dispute resolution process.

MSU offers a variety of on-campus living and dining options. Each living environment features unique design and atmosphere. Most housing options on campus offer units that meet the needs of students with disabilities. A student with a disability in need of a housing accommodation must identify and register with the RCPD in advance, and work with their assigned specialist to facilitate the housing accommodation request process. More information about accommodations for housing and dining can be found on our Housing and Campus Life page.

Visit the MSU Housing Live On website for more information on campus housing.

Michigan State University recognizes that some qualified individuals with disabilities may have need for a service animal on campus and others may have the need for an assistance animal (emotional support animal) in University housing under certain circumstances.

Service Animal Policy

Persons with disabilities may be accompanied by working service animals on the campus of Michigan State University consistent with the provisions of the Service Animal Policy. 

Students:

Students with a disability who wish to utilize a service animal in a classroom are encouraged but not required to register with the RCPD. Students are encouraged to register with the RCPD for access to resources, information, and advocacy around a range of disability-related dynamics, including service animals. Registration is required for any student who wishes to use a miniature horse in University facilities.

Employees:

Employees with a disability who wish to utilize a service animal as a reasonable accommodation in a University office or other areas of campus buildings not open to the general public must register with the RCPD at least 30 days before the animal is needed.

Review the Service Animal Policy for more information regarding service animals on campus.

Assistance Animal Policy in University Housing

The University provides reasonable accommodations to housing residents with a documented disability. The Assistance Animal Policy in University Housing governs the use of Assistance Animals in University Housing.

Campus Mental Health Resources

MSU Counseling and Psychiatric Services (CAPS)

CAPS, is the place on campus for students seeking help for a wide range of concerns, including depression, anxiety, stress management, homesickness, adjustment or acculturation, relationships, gender identity and sexual orientation (LBGTQ) concerns, substance abuse, trauma, eating or body image concerns, and other personal mental health concerns.

MSU Center for Survivors

 Provides counseling, advocacy, and support groups to MSU students.

MSU Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

EAP is a confidential counseling service provided at no cost to MSU faculty, staff, retirees, graduate student employees, and their families.

MSU Psychological Clinic

The MSU Psychological Clinic offers a wide range of therapy and assessment services. 

MSU Psychiatry Clinic

The Department of Psychiatry is part of the MSU HealthTeam and provides comprehensive evaluation and treatment for adults, adolescents, children, college students, young adults, and the elderly with a wide variety of mental health disorders.

Psychology Today

Psychology Today is a valuable resource to find local mental health providers, therapists, psychiatrists, treatment centers, and support groups.

Other Resources

Community Mental Health (Clinton, Eaton, Ingham)

Sparrow Behavioral Health Services

Mental Health America

National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)

Veterans Affairs Mental Health Services

Job Accommodation Network

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

MSU Council of Students with Disabilities (CSD)

Helping students with disabilities to maximize their Spartan experience, through advocacy, education, and empowerment.

MSU Mental Health Awareness Club

Michigan State University's Mental Health Awareness Club (MHAC) is a club which encourages conversation about mental heath in order to defeat its stigma. We hope to support other MSU students who have a mental illness, or know someone who does.

Spartan Support Network (SSN)

SSN empowers Michigan State University students to create an inclusive community and support each other’s identity, mental well-being, and day-to-day lives through weekly peer-facilitated groups and monthly social events.