Eastern Michigan University's Counseling and Psychological Services, or CAPS, is re-introducing in-person support groups, believing that they are more effective for student communication and progress. CAPS will also be hosting the Student of Color Support Group for the first time.
The LGBTQ+ group has been running since 2006, but took place virtually from 2020-2024.
CAPS offers a variety of mental health resources to help students maintain their well-being. While many students are aware of the twelve free sessions of one-on-one psychotherapy available to them, there are additional services designed to provide support in different ways.
The Student of Color Support Group will be held on Wednesdays from 3:30 to 5:00 p.m., while the Coming Out, Being Out Support Group will take place on Fridays from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
These groups are facilitated by licensed mental health professionals and consist of 8-10 students. They are closed groups, meaning that new members can join in the first few weeks, but once the groups are established, they will remain consistent.
According to Sania Ahmed, a mental health therapist and group facilitator, the goal is to create a consistent, committed group of attendees.
"We strive towards a set group of folks who can commit to coming to group weekly. When people come consistently, the group becomes more beneficial," Ahmed said.
While the counselors begin as active facilitators, guiding the discussions, they gradually step back as students grow more comfortable sharing.
"[We] provide emotional support and validation while we work to build bridges between members,” Ahmed said.
Group therapy is a lesser-known method than individual therapy, but it is an incredibly effective method for improving mental health.
Staff Psychologist Caroline Callway discussed the benefits of support groups.
"[They're] a good entry point into therapy; we are certified mental health professionals here to help you connect with your peers,” Callway said.
“Group therapy can be just as efficient as one-on-one therapy," Ahmed said. "It provides a different and powerful situation to get support not only from your therapist, but your peers as well."
A significant benefit of participating in CAPS support groups is that they do not count toward your twelve free individual therapy sessions, allowing students to attend group therapy without compromising their ability to access individual therapy.
"You can attend one or both groups every single week, and still be able to go to all of your individual sessions," Callway said.
The support groups were not available in the first weeks of the semester to allow for a recruitment period. This time is used for screening and providing information to prospective members. Students interested in joining can reach out to the front desk to schedule an appointment.
Students who are already receiving individual therapy at CAPS can directly schedule a group screening. New students to CAPS will first need to schedule an intake appointment, followed by a group screening.
"A group screening is a nice thing to do if you are considering joining group," Callway said. "[It’s] a very quick chat with the facilitators of the group about what [students] can expect. This appointment gives them a more clear sense of what it's like and helps them decide if it is something they want to try."
The groups will still be open to new members for a few weeks, and for students interested in learning more, now is the time to schedule a screening appointment.
Interested students can call the front desk at (734) 487-1118 to set up their initial appointment. Attending a screening appointment or the first few sessions does not commit students to the group, and they are welcome to explore whether the group is a good fit.
EMU's CAPS offers valuable mental health support through a range of services, including in-person support groups for students of color and LGBTQ+ students.
These groups provide an opportunity for students to connect with peers and receive emotional support from licensed therapists in a group setting. With a focus on fostering a supportive environment, CAPS’ group therapy options are a great way for students to enhance their mental health journey.
