Case Management
Connecting Students to the Resources They Need
The Counseling Center provides a variety of services, but much like a primary care doctor, we sometimes need to refer students to longer-term or more specialized services than we provide. Many students also want to find other services after ending treatment at the Counseling Center. In these situations, our case management team is available to help students discover and navigate mental health services and other resources across campus and in their community.
Exploring and Personalizing Your Referrals Heading link
Some students prefer to explore referral options on their own – if that describes you, check out our Community Provider Database.
If you prefer to meet with someone for assistance in navigating referrals, start by scheduling an initial consultation. During this meeting, we will talk with you about your needs and take several factors into account when providing referrals, such as:
- Your specific concerns and treatment goals
- Insurance and financial resources
- Location and transportation needs (e.g., help finding a provider close to your home or campus)
- Preferences for virtual or in-person services
- Your preferences for providers with specific identities, cultural backgrounds, or languages spoken
Establishing Care with Community Providers Heading link
If you and your initial consultation counselor agree that a referral to services outside of the Counseling Center is the right fit, our case manager will email you a list of providers who may be a good fit. Some students prefer to get connected on their own at this point; others prefer some more support or guidance. We encourage you to email your case manager to set up a meeting so that they can help you:
- Make initial calls and reaching out to providers
- Transfer any requested paperwork or treatment information from the Counseling Center to your new provider, as needed
- Prepare for your initial appointment with a new provider
If you encounter barriers to treatment or begin treatment and find that it’s not working out for any reason, you can always come back to your case manager. We’ll continue to help you until you find the services that are right for you.
Want to meet with a case manager to talk about the right referral for you? Heading link
Start with an initial consultation!
Bridge Care, Benefits, & Navigating Other Services Heading link
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Applying for Benefits
There are many external factors that affect our mental health, such as access to housing, food, and other financial resources. Our case managers can assist you with applications for benefits like Medicaid, SNAP (formerly food stamps), and other resources. We can also help connect you with resources on campus for students who need emergency financial assistance, housing, food, or other basic needs.
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Bridge Care
Our case management team also provides bridge care for students in acute crisis who are referred for services outside the Counseling Center after their initial consultation. Bridge care involves meeting with a crisis intervention specialist, usually on a weekly basis, to help you stay safe and cope with immediate stressors while waiting to get connected to longer-term care.
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Navigating Services across Campus
The Counseling Center is just one part of UIC’s strong network of resources to support student wellbeing. Our case managers are well-versed in the services provided by other offices across campus and can provide referrals to these offices to help meet your specific needs. Whether you’re looking for tutoring through the African American Academic Network, food from the Wellness Center’s pop-up pantry, accommodations from the Disability Resource Center, or any other services across campus, our case managers can help you find what you’re looking for.