Student Veterans and Mental Health

Your mental health is just as important as your physical health.

We’ve all heard this, but what does it really mean? And what does it mean to you, the student veteran? 

  • It means paying attention to and taking care of your emotional responses, stress levels, relationships, etc.
  • It means taking time for yourself and your family/friends when life gets hectic. 
  • It means knowing where and how to reach out for support when you need it.
  • It means accepting that mental health care is a sign of personal strength.

Common mental health concerns among student veterans include:

While it can be initially difficult to seek support, most student veterans express relief and hope after taking that first step. 

The University of Michigan and CAPS takes the mental health of student veterans very seriously.  As a student, CAPS offers short-term, confidential counseling for individuals and/or couples, support groups, and drop-in workshops. CAPS is open 8am-7pm, Monday-Thursday, 8am-pm Friday throughout the Fall/Winter semesters. Our Spring/Summer hours are 8am-5pm, Monday-Friday. 

Call (734) 764-8312 for an appointment. A CAPS’ Counselor on Duty is available for emergency (non-life-threatening) consultations and crisis appointments. 

Mental health services are also available to students from The University of Michigan Depression Center, the U-M Psychological Clinic, University Health Services and the Veterans Affairs Hospital.  For emergencies, the University of Michigan Hospital has a 24-hour Psychiatric Emergency Room.

Veteran-specific mental health resources are also available online and in-person through multiple United States agencies: the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Department of Defense, and many more.  

Some of the most comprehensive sites, include: