Wayne State University mental health services target student outreach during awareness week
Wayne State University (WSU) is promoting its campus mental health and suicide prevention resources during Mental Illness Awareness Week, observed from Oct. 4 to Oct. 10. The university provides a network of confidential services, including free short-term counseling at Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) and urgent crisis support via a dedicated mental health line, The South End reported.
CAPS offers free short-term counseling for students
Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS), located on the 5th floor of the Student Center, offers free, short-term psychological services for currently enrolled students. The staff includes psychiatrists, psychologists, licensed professional counselors, and clinical social workers. Students begin with an initial consultation to determine their specific needs.
For immediate but non-emergency support, students can schedule 15-minute sessions. CAPS also facilitates group therapy focusing on grief, neurodivergences, coping skills, and anxiety. Students requiring ADHD testing or referrals for emotional support animals can book 30-minute appointments with a case manager.
In life-threatening emergencies or acute mental health crises, the university operates the Warrior Mental Health Urgent Services line at 313-577-2277.
University maintains specialized mental health and wellness clinics
Beyond CAPS, the university maintains several specialized centers for mental health and wellness:
- WSU Mental Health and Wellness Clinic (MHaWC): A graduate student training clinic in the College of Education Building providing family counseling, psychotherapy, art therapy, and psychoeducational assessments to the community.
- WSU Psychology Clinic: A facility serving adults, children, adolescents, and families. It specializes in mental health services and testing; however, it does not accept medical insurance and requires payment at the time of service.
- Campus Health Center: This center manages a Mental Health Triage service that connects students with on- or off-campus resources. This free, confidential service for non-emergency needs requires a completed evaluation form.
Students report gaps in resource awareness
Jenna Joseph, a WSU student and CAPS intern, stated that CAPS has served 216 students since the start of the 2026 semester. Joseph identified financial concerns, lack of support systems, and physical or mental illness as contributing factors to suicide risks.
Despite the availability of these services, some students report a lack of visibility. Freshman Antonio Brown said he does not feel students know where to go for support and noted a lack of health advertisements on campus. Freshman Azjhanae McGraw suggested the university use social media pages for better outreach, noting that most of the student population uses these platforms.
McGraw also highlighted the challenges faced by commuting students and suggested that more colorful, welcoming on-campus activities would encourage students to leave their dorms and engage with available resources.
Common questions about WSU mental health access
How do I access the Warrior Mental Health Urgent Services line?
Students experiencing a life-threatening emergency or mental health crisis can call 313-577-2277 for immediate support.
Which WSU mental health services are free for students?
Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) and the Campus Health Center’s Mental Health Triage are free and confidential for currently enrolled WSU students.
Does the WSU Psychology Clinic take insurance?
No, the WSU Psychology Clinic does not accept medical insurance, and students or clients must provide payment at the time of service.
“We are always encouraging students to sign up for the groups, such as the Coping Skills and Living with Anxiety workshops at CAPS,” said Jenna Joseph.