My SSP Faculty and Staff Frequently Asked Questions | Student Mental Health and Well-being

General

What is My SSP?

My Student Support or My SSP is a free, confidential, telehealth program that provides mental health and well-being support to Michigan Tech students. All mental health counseling is provided by a licensed mental health provider.

What services are available through My SSP?

My SSP offers real-time chat or telephone support 24/7, short-term counseling sessions with a dedicated counselor, health assessments, self-help materials on health and well-being topics, and access to virtual fitness sessions.

What topics could a student talk about with My SSP?

Counselors can help common concerns including, but not limited to: relationship troubles, feeling isolated, lonely or depressed, general stress and anxiety, frustration or uncertainty related to studies or post-grad plans, creating balance between personal
and academic priorities, building better communication and time management skills, or adapting to a new campus culture, learning style or city

Is there a way that I can connect a student to mental health support directly?

Yes. My SSP offers an assisted referral option, where you can assist a student in need to get connected with a counselor through My SSP.

Is there a cost to using My SSP?

No. Services through My SSP are free of charge to all currently enrolled Michigan Tech students.

What is unique about My SSP?

My SSP offers the unique ability for you to request a language, cultural, or identity match with a counselor. This simply means that a student can request a counselor who identifies similarly to them, which they may find more comfortable. Additionally, they
have 24/7 access to licensed mental health providers and there is more flexibility in times to meet for short-term counseling sessions.

Can university employees utilize My SSP for mental health support?

No. My SSP is only available for currently enrolled, degree seeking Michigan Tech
students who are not utilizing their employment to take courses through Michigan Tech.

Are there any services available for faculty and staff through My SSP?

Yes. My SSP offers the ability for faculty and staff to reach out to My SSP for a consultation regarding a student concern. This can be helpful if you have a student mental health concern and are unsure how to address it.

Can students still use services through the Center for Student Mental Health and Well-being?

Yes. CSMHW still offers mental health and well-being support to all students. Students can utilize individual therapy, group therapy, or participate in workshops and events through CSMHW. If a student is receiving individual counseling through My SSP
they can utilize all the services but the individual therapy option as outlined above. Regardless of who they are receiving individual counseling through, they still have the availability to utilize walk-in hours or immediate one-time support through My SSP.

Accessing Services

What languages can be requested through My SSP?

The app and website are available in English, Spanish, French, Mandarin, and Cantonese. When a student calls in to request short-term counseling they can request the language they prefer (those listed above as well as others) and My SSP will work to match them with a counselor. If a student is seeking immediate support that would be provided in English with the option to schedule with a counselor.

Can students use My SSP for additional counseling if they are already established with a counselor?

No. Students are able to utilize services through My SSP for pressing concerns or emergencies that they feel they can’t wait to talk to their established counselor about. A limitation to all services is that a student must retain only one counselor and not participate in individual therapy with more than one counselor at a time.

What time are services available?

Real-time (immediate support) is available via chat or telephone 24/7. Scheduled counseling sessions are typically scheduled between 8am and 8pm M-F.

How do students meet with a counselor through My SSP?

Students can access real-time chat or telephone support through the My SSP app by clicking the desired icons, they can call them directly, or go to their website and use the chat feature there. For scheduled sessions with a counselor the student would meet via telephone or through a secure video-counseling platform.

Can a student use My SSP once if they have a problem they want to talk about or do they need to establish with a counselor and keep seeing them?

My SSP can be used for a single use, on an as needed basis, or a student could schedule an appointment with a counselor for additional sessions. If a student uses it as needed, it is not guaranteed that they will speak to the same counselor

Can students have their medication managed through My SSP or be prescribed medication?

No. If you need your medication managed or are interested in starting medication your My SSP counselor will refer you to a local health care provider.

Does My SSP provide documentation for accommodations through Michigan Tech student disability services?

My SSP is an extension of CSMHW and follows the same procedure and documentation process for accommodations, this includes documentation for an emotional support animal.

Privacy and Confidentiality

Are the services through My SSP confidential?

Yes. If a student meets with a counselor through My SSP no one will know unless they tell someone or provide permission for the counselor to share. There are rare exceptions when there is imminent risk to life.

What if a student has a bad experience or concern with a My SSP counselor?

My SSP has the option for students to provide feedback or submit a complaint through the website or app.