As a health care organization, we recognize that systems of oppression impact health and well-being. Research shows that students from historically excluded groups on college campuses often experience unique stresses. Research also shows that clients are more satisfied with counseling when it is provided by a counselor who is well versed in these stressors.

By hiring providers who can contribute their skills and expertise in support of the unique needs of students of color, UHS can better serve our diverse campus community. Mental health providers at UHS have several other specialty areas, including issues facing LGBTQ individuals, international/multilingual individuals, and couples as well as students in particular courses of study such as engineering and medicine. Offering providers with a range of specialties is a nationally recognized best practice to help improve students’ well-being and academic experience.

UHS and UW-Madison will continuously work to dispel myths, rumors, and disinformation about mental health services and resources for underrepresented students. Our goals remain steadfast: To support students who seek help and to improve the campus climate so that all students feel welcome, connected, and safe.

In response to a need to improve access to mental health services, University Health Services (UHS) has hired nine new mental health providers. Three of these providers join eight current providers who have special expertise addressing issues that students of color often experience. Four new providers will serve as generalists which are counselors who see clients with a wide range of concerns rather than a specific population. Finally, the two additional new providers will serve as care managers, working closely with students who may need support in finding resources both at UHS and in the Madison community.

“I’m very excited to welcome this new group of providers to UHS. They come to our community with enthusiasm, experience, and the cultural awareness and humility to support our students as they pursue both academic success and personal growth,” says Sarah Nolan, PhD, director of Mental Health Services, (MHS) and a licensed psychologist.

The new providers represent a diverse mix of clinical social workers, counselors, and psychologists, each with a special interest in meeting the growing demand for mental health services on campus.

“In this role, as a provider focusing on students of color and other aspects of diversity, equity, inclusion, and social justice, I hope to support students in having a fulfilling and successful college career,” says Rianna Bailey, MSW, LCSW. “I want to make sure students have a good experience with therapy and their therapist so that they feel safe seeking services in the future if needed.”

In addition to individual counseling, MHS—which has 55 providers on staff—offers group counseling and outreach programming to the student community, in addition to a training program. During the 2020-2021 academic year, MHS had more than 25,000 patient visits.

New students of color-focused providers:

• Rianna Bailey
• Serena Cisneros
• Melanie Daovannary

New generalist providers:

• Blake Bettis
• Geetanjali Deole
• Leya Moore
• Tommy Wild

New care manager providers

• Corinne Werner
• Andie Schwabe

“Working in college health is deeply rewarding because it may be a student’s first time coming to see a provider and so there is immense trust that goes into developing a therapeutic relationship and navigating challenges together. There is an opportunity to advocate for students in ways that can make meaningful differences in their lives,” says Tommy Wild, PhD.

Following a national search, Ellen Marks, who has been with MHS since 2018, was appointed Associate Director of Clinical Services.

“The addition of these providers—including the providers who serve specific populations—strengthens our ability as an organization to better serve the whole student,” adds Nolan.

To get started with Mental Health Services, call 608-265-5600 (option 2) or log in to MyUHS to schedule an Access Appointment.

University Health Services celebrates Black History Month and the accomplishments and contributions that Black students, staff, and faculty have made and continue to make across our campus. We honor the strengths and resilience of the Black community. We acknowledge and appreciate that Black students are often at the forefront of movements to create positive change on this campus.

MHS also honors the ongoing struggle to create a more inclusive and representative campus environment and recognizes that more needs to be done to improve the sense of belonging for students of color at UW-Madison.

We recognize that communities of color are disproportionately impacted by issues such as oppression, prejudice, and inequitable systems of power and privilege. As a health care institution, we are committed to supporting Black students through our services, including our Students of Color and Men of Color group counseling sessions, our efforts to match students with providers of specific identities, our partnerships at the Red Gym, and other outreach programming.

We encourage all students to engage in events on campus in celebration of Black History Month: https://www.wisc.edu/black-history/.