The University of Michigan’s strategic move to merge Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) and University Health Services (UHS) to create a new division called University Health & Counseling (UHC) will streamline student-centered mental health care at the university. and represents an important step towards strengthening. Ann Arbor campus. The consolidation, effective March 1, is aimed at creating a more consistent, efficient and accessible mental health care system for students under the leadership of Executive Director Lindsey Mortenson.
Strategic integration for enhanced care
With the merger effective March 1, UHC aims to provide a more integrated and seamless approach to student mental health care. CAPS and UHS will operate as independent departments for a short period of time under the direction of Lindsay Mortenson, an experienced physician leader and psychiatrist. This phase will be dedicated to ensuring a smooth transition to integrated clinical and administrative operations, which is scheduled to be rebranded this summer. A fundamental goal of the merger is to lower barriers to care, especially for students with complex needs, in line with student feedback and recommendations from internal audits and external reviews.
Innovative approach and comprehensive care
The creation of UHC is not only a merger of two departments, but also a leap toward innovation in the provision of mental health care on campus. Plans include implementing a uniform schedule and electronic health record system, increasing coordination of care across a wide range of services, and fostering professional care partnerships. This strategic move also aligns with the university’s broader vision of improving health, as highlighted by Rob Ernst, chief health officer and vice provost for student life health and wellness. This reflects a significant change in the university’s approach to addressing shortcomings in the existing system to improve student outcomes.
Broader implications and future directions
The merger is part of a series of initiatives aimed at improving student mental health care at the University of Michigan. This complements the University’s involvement in the JED Campus Initiative and the launch of the Well-being Collective, which aims to embed holistic wellbeing practices at organizational and policy levels. The establishment of UHC directly addresses the need to eliminate silos between units and foster greater engagement and collaboration with academic and healthcare colleagues. As UHC moves forward, it is poised to play a pivotal role in creating a more integrated, responsive, and student-centered mental health care ecosystem on campus.
The University of Michigan’s move to integrate CAPS and UHS into UHC represents a forward-thinking approach to student mental health care. UHC will continue to improve the quality and accessibility of mental health services for students by focusing on innovation, collaboration, and comprehensive care. This strategic integration not only aims to meet the immediate needs of the student body, but also sets a precedent for a holistic, integrated health care model in higher education settings, ensuring that student well-being is a priority and that We promise a supported future.
