Being a graduate student can be inspiring and exciting, but it can also be stressful and challenging. It is important to take care of your physical and your mental health and seek help when you need it. The 2018-2019 UW-Madison Healthy Minds Study found that nearly one-third of students reported suffering from depression, nearly one-quarter reported feeling anxious, and 76% felt that emotional and mental health issues hurt their academic performance. Ongoing challenges related to the COVID-19 pandemic have created additional stresses that may have longer-term impacts on mental health. UW-Madison offers many resources that are available to you as a student.
University Health Services – Mental Health Services
UHS offers a safe and confidential environment with a variety of support services available free of charge and open to all graduate students living in Wisconsin. These include individual, couple/partner, and group counseling, as well as stress management and psychiatry services. Those living out of state may access specific workshops, crisis support, Let’s Talk services, and Access providers for connection with care and resources in local communities or at UHS. Mental Health Services are currently being offered virtually (via phone or Zoom), plus some in-person outreach programs.
An Access Appointment is the entry point to services at Mental Health Services and is typically done over the phone. To schedule an Access Appointment, students should call Mental Health Services at 608-265-5600 (option 2) or log on to MyUHS for 24-hour appointment booking. In person appointments are available by request. This appointment will last about 20 minutes.
If there is a risk of suicide or concern about well-being of a student, call UHS 24-hour crisis service* to speak with an on-call counselor at 608-265-5600, option 9. If a situation is immediately life threatening, call 911.
In addition, UHS hosts a variety of group counseling opportunities such as Dissertators’ Group, Graduate Students’ Support Group, Graduate Students of Color Group, LGBTQ support, relationships, depression, anxiety, and other topics. Additional UHS Resources are listed to the right.
People here to help
Ombuds are designated neutral or impartial conflict resolution resources who provide confidential and informal assistance to visitors on a variety of issues and concerns. The Ombuds operate independently and has no formal decision-making authority or disciplinary responsibilities.
Ombuds do not act as advocates for any one position in a dispute; rather they strive for fairness of process and healthy campus conflict resolution. An Ombuds is someone who helps people to informally resolve conflict by facilitating communication to help all parties reach mutually satisfactory solutions. Ombuds may also provide coaching and education to help their visitors effectively manage conflict over time
Jeremy Brooks: Graduate Student Ombud
Evgeny Mazko: Graduate Student Ombud
The Graduate School and the Dean of Students Office jointly support a staff position focused on graduate student needs. Elaine Goetz-Berman serves in this role, which includes support, advocacy, and resource referral for graduate students. Elaine’s approach to working with graduate students centers on her specialized knowledge about the unique academic and personal challenges they face.
Elaine Goetz-Berman: Dean of Students Office – Graduate Student Assistant Specialist