Sindecuse Health Center: What students need to know

Jun 16, 2023

Western Michigan University's on-campus Sindecuse Health Center.

As the 2023-2024 academic year approaches at Western Michigan University, it is important to know the ins and outs of both physical and mental health resources offered on campus.

Sindecuse Health Center, located on Western’s campus, offers an abundance of health resources for its students—some new and some returning.

Joe VanDerBos is the Patient Experience Manager at Sindecuse Health Center.

“We offer medical care, mental health care including counseling and psychiatry,” VanDerBos said via email. “For students who are a long way from home, we can be their primary care provider and help manage chronic conditions, or take care of urgent care needs as they pop up. Don't forget about immunizations.”

Examples of new or returning health care options that Sindecuse offers include chiropractic care, medical weight loss management and sports medicine.

The facility additionally houses a Mind Spa, which offers students an oasis for the mind with massage chairs, a light therapy box, a biofeedback station and more.

“If students haven't checked out the Mind Spa, they really should see it,” VanDerBos said. “They can book time in a massage chair in a quiet, relaxing environment. It's bookable on the patient portal.”

Counseling services are a free service to students, and are available in more ways than one. To receive these services, students can either call the facility or walk in during regular hours.

“I bet some students don't know that they can also seek mental health care with a clinic medical provider,” VanDerBos said. “Our doctors and PAs see students for anxiety, stress, emotional concerns and other reasons related to mental health.”

VanDerBos continued: “WMU has made a commitment to student mental health, and while there are no big 'new' offerings, students might not know about UWill, the free tele-counseling service. It's available 24/7. Students can access it by visiting its website.”

There are several ways to become established as a patient for physical health at Sindecuse, according to VanDerBos. Students can either visit the facility’s web portal or call for an appointment.

“Or just stop in,” VanDerBos said. “We're happy to answer questions and help get (students) the care they need. We work by appointments, but if someone comes in without one, we'll put them in the next available slot, which could be in the next hour. It's almost never later than the next morning or afternoon.”

According to VanDerBos, Sindecuse is a one-stop-shop for healthcare. With services such as lab tests, x-rays and a pharmacy, students should be able to receive the care they need right on campus.

“Unlike community providers who might refer you out to another lab for testing, and then expect you to make a trip to a pharmacy to pick up meds, students can do it all in one stop here,” VanDerBos said.

Sindecuse has options for students who may not be medically insured. The Bryan and Kathy Staufer Emergency Fund is there for some students, and other students who don't have health insurance can make an application to get help paying for acute care needs at the health center.

All applications include a free visit with a social worker to assess needs and set students up with Medicaid if they meet eligibility requirements.

“Please don't avoid seeking care because of cost,” VanDerBos said. “We have ways to help.”

VanDerBos emphasized that Sindecuse is there to serve students.

“The people who work at Sindecuse are here to help,” VanDerBos said. “We like answering questions! We understand students are just learning how to navigate health care, and we want to help them gain confidence and knowledge.”

For more information on Sindecuse Health Center and its services, visit its website, or call (269) 387-3287. To access UWill, visit its website.

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