Ferris State University has partnered with Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services to significantly bolster mental health and wellness resources for its students. BIG RAPIDS, MI — Recognizing the increasing need for accessible mental health support among college students, Ferris State University is taking proactive steps to enhance its services. A new collaboration with Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services will provide students with greater access to vital mental wellness resources.
Andy Slater, Director of the Personal Counseling Center at Ferris State, highlighted the strategic importance of this partnership. It directly supports the ongoing efforts of his department and the Birkam Health Center to meet the evolving needs of students. Through this initiative, students referred by the university will have access to weekly, no-cost sessions with psychiatrist Dr. Jayanthi Peters, commencing this fall semester.
Image: The Birkam Health Center at Ferris State University’s Big Rapids campus, a key location for student health and wellness services.
“This collaboration with Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services is instrumental in elevating the level of support and resources available to our students,” Slater stated. “We are committed to fostering a more integrated approach to address the comprehensive needs of our student body, empowering them to thrive academically and personally.”
The urgency of this partnership is underscored by national trends. The American Psychological Association reports a growing concern regarding mental wellness among college students nationwide. A 2021 Healthy Minds Study, encompassing 373 campuses, revealed that over 60 percent of college students met the criteria for at least one mental health condition. This data highlights the critical need for universities to expand and improve their mental health services.
Slater mentioned that the Birkam Health Center and the Personal Counseling Center are prepared to launch an awareness campaign. This campaign aims to ensure students who face challenges in accessing psychiatric care through public agencies are fully informed about the resources available to them through this new partnership with Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services.
“Historically, accessing Community Mental Health services in our region often required Medicaid coverage, limiting referral options for a portion of our student population,” Slater explained. “Consequently, students not meeting these criteria were often referred to services in Grand Rapids, causing significant delays in treatment initiation. With Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services, we anticipate that student referrals will connect them with psychiatric services within days to a couple of weeks, drastically reducing wait times and ensuring timely care.”
Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services, a respected psychiatric hospital and behavioral health provider with a main treatment campus in Grand Rapids, brings extensive expertise to this collaboration. Their involvement significantly enhances the scope of mental health support available to Ferris State students.
Slater emphasized that the introduction of psychiatric care through Pine Rest complements the existing programs at the Birkam Health Center and the Personal Counseling Center.
“This enhanced access to psychiatric services fundamentally strengthens our capacity to support students. Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services provides resources that extend beyond the previous capabilities of the Health Center in mental health support,” Slater added. “Consultations with Dr. Peters can facilitate students receiving necessary medications, optimizing their treatment outcomes and overall well-being.”
Image: Ferris State University’s partnership with Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services aims to provide comprehensive mental health support for students, ensuring access to timely and effective care.
Slater acknowledged the pivotal roles of Dean of Student Life Lina Blair and Vice President of Student Affairs Jeanine Ward-Roof in championing and advancing this vital initiative.
Students seeking further information on available services are encouraged to visit the Birkam Health Center and Personal Counseling Center website to learn more about how Ferris State University, in partnership with Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services, is dedicated to supporting their mental wellness journey.
