Michigan Medicine's House Officer Mental Health Program has been in existence since 1996, providing a range of mental health services to a large number of house officers in all disciplines. We are committed to supporting house officers during this significant, rewarding, and often stressful stage of life. We evaluate and treat a broad spectrum of mental health needs, including: depression, anxiety, sleep difficulties, ADHD, stress management, interpersonal difficulties, and work-life balance issues, to name a few.
How to Schedule an Appointment
To schedule an evaluation, contact April Wesner, our program’s administrative assistant, at (734) 763-9853 or by email at [email protected].
April is typically available during regular business hours. If she is unable to answer the phone when you call, please leave a voicemail with your full name and phone number. We know that it can be extremely challenging to find time to make phone calls during the day, so we also offer the option of scheduling via email.
When you call or send an email, identify yourself as a house officer and we will help you make an appointment via video visit or in person. For in person visits, our offices are located on campus in UH South (between UH and Mott) or off campus at the Rachel Upjohn Building, adjacent to East Ann Arbor.
What to Expect When You Make an Appointment
Our attending psychiatrists are available to see house officers quickly for a free of charge and confidential initial evaluation (insurance is not billed and the visit is not documented in MiChart). This initial visit is typically about 60 to 90 minutes in duration.
If ongoing treatment is recommended you will be able to continue seeing the attending psychiatrist who conducts your initial evaluation, and subsequent visits will be billed and documented in the usual fashion. If a house officer prefers to be treated outside of our health system, we are happy to provide referrals for experienced, reputable community-based psychiatric and psychotherapeutic providers.
Who We Are
Laura Andersen, M.D., MPH - Director, House Officer Mental Health Program
Sarah Bommarito, M.D. – Faculty Psychiatrist
During medical school, psychiatry called to me through its emphasis on connecting with others and creating space for true understanding, ultimately leading to meaningful change. My work in this clinic has been particularly rewarding as supporting medical trainees in their personal and professional growth can be transformative. Medical training poses significant challenges that often cause us to feel isolated and to leave behind aspects of our individual identities, contributing to symptoms of burnout, depression, and anxiety. I aim to listen, understand, and collaborate with you to identify your personal values and develop an individualized treatment plan that honors and works toward those values, cultivating a greater sense of fulfillment during this uniquely demanding time.
I was born and raised in Michigan. I studied English Language and Literature at the University of Michigan, then attended Wayne State University for my master’s degree in Basic Medical Sciences and medical school. I returned to the University of Michigan for residency in general psychiatry, during which I also completed a one-year psychoanalytic psychotherapy fellowship through the Michigan Psychoanalytic Institute. My main clinical interests include medical trainee and physician mental health, anxiety disorders, and burnout interventions. In addition to my work in the House Officer Mental Health Program, I also direct the Anxiety Disorders Clinic, and I develop and facilitate wellness interventions for our psychiatry residents. Outside of work, I enjoy baking, reading, and spending time with my friends and family.
Laura Hirshbein, M.D., Ph.D. – Faculty Psychiatrist
I started medical school at the University of Michigan in 1989 and found that my naïve goal of wanting to help people slammed into the narrow and rigid socialization in medicine at the time. I fled after my second year and started a PhD program in the history of medicine at Johns Hopkins University, and then returned to Michigan to complete medical school. I picked psychiatry because I found that was the specialty that gave me the most opportunity to engage with people and to focus on patients’ stories. I completed my residency at the University of Michigan and have been on the faculty since 2001.
One of the things that has long concerned me about medicine is how often we forget to treat each other – and most especially ourselves – as human beings who have human differences and needs. We drive ourselves so hard, and the system drives us even harder. I learned a personally painful lesson in this during my own experience with a serious medical illness in 2021. I want for all of us to be able to be human, to take care of ourselves as well as our patients. I also think we need to work on developing a culture in which we can discuss our common humanity in a more open and compassionate way. Mental health care in this setting requires that we understand the culture we have – and the culture we deserve.
I am very fortunate to have a supportive family who remind me that it is okay to stop working. My dogs help with unconditional love, and my cats keep me oriented toward what matters most – their care and feeding. I enjoy reading, writing, and grappling with great questions.
Rachel Pacilio, M.D. – Faculty Psychiatrist
April Wesner – Administrative Specialist Associate
I am the Administrative Assistant for the Mental Health Program. I have been working at Michigan Medicine for over 14 years with more than 4 years’ experience in the Psychiatry department. I am passionate about working in the mental health field and enjoy supporting the wellness of our patients and staff. My favorite way to “fill my cup” is cooking, traveling the world, and spending quality time with my husband, our two children, and our dog!
Jocelyn Provident-Wisniewski – Administrative Assistant
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it confidential?
The initial evaluation is not documented in MiChart and your insurance is not billed for the visit. Additional visits within our department will be billed and documented through MiChart with all HIPAA regulations strictly enforced. We do not share any information with program directors or GME unless you give us explicit instruction and permission to do so.
How much does it cost?
The initial evaluation is free of charge. Ongoing treatment is subject to standard insurance copays. For UM Premier Care, the most common form of resident insurance, this is $25 per appointment.
Will medical students or residents be involved in my care?
No. You will be seen by an attending physician.
Do you have flexibility in scheduling?
While we do not have evening or weekend appointment times, we are available to see you virtually or in a confidential setting within the hospital, eliminating any additional time needed for travel. We are also happy to provide resources for community psychiatrists who may offer evening and weekend availability.
Local Resources
Mental health treatment is available outside of the health system, if preferred. You can use the Psychology Today ‘find a therapist’ website to search for local providers, though here are some group practices in Ann Arbor that we have referred to and who accept UM Premier Care:
Huron Valley Consultation Center (psychiatry and therapy)
734-662-6300, extension 12
*Leave a voicemail message at extension 12, which is the director’s personal line, and be sure to identify yourself as a house officer. Alex Martinez, the director, sees many house officers and will often be able to see you quickly and with a flexible schedule.
Heron Ridge Associates (psychiatry and therapy)
734-913-1093
*The specific psychiatric providers who we would recommend without any reservations are Dr. Lisa Tseggay, Dr. Ashwini Gulwadi, and Brenda Pontillo, NP.
Grove Emotional Health Collaborative (psychiatry and therapy)
734-224-3822
Lotus Consulting (therapy)
734-478-7358
Identity Counseling (therapy)
734-645-8944
Integrative Empowerment Group (therapy)
734-945-6210
www.integrativeempowerment.com
Cypress Counseling Center (therapy)
734-369-3180
www.cypresscounselingcenter.com
Everwell Health and Counseling Services (therapy)
734-219-3088
www.everwellhealthandcounseling.com
The Michigan Psychoanalytic Institute Mel Bornstein Clinic (psychoanalysis and psychodynamic psychotherapy)
734-761-2727
Self-Help Resources
Digital
A helpful resource is a directory of mobile apps as listed by the Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA). The ADAA does a wonderful job rating each app based on ease of use, effectiveness, personalization, interactive/feedback and research evidence. https://www.adaa.org/finding-help/mobile-apps
Books
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Feeling Good: The New Mood Therapy by David Burns – teaches essential cognitive behavioral skills for mood and anxiety management
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Wherever You Go There You Are by Jon Kabat-Zinn – teaches essentials of developing a mindfulness practice, proven to be helpful for stress reduction
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Self-Compassion: The Proven Power of Being Kind to Yourself by Kristin Neff – teaches how to limit self-criticism and offset its negative effects, enabling you to achieve your highest potential and a more contented, fulfilled life
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Taking Charge of Adult ADHD by Russell Barkley – teaches coping strategies for managing ADHD as an adult
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Kristin Neff also has an excellent website worth checking out, including guided exercises: http://self-compassion.org/
Urgent / Emergency Services
If you are experiencing active suicidal thoughts or feel unsafe in any way, immediately call 9-1-1 or proceed to the nearest emergency department.
U-M Psychiatric Emergency Services: (734) 936-5900 (available 24/7)
National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1-800-273-8255 (available 24/7)
Other resources available free of charge to House Officers for wellness and counseling include:
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The Office of Counseling and Workplace Resilience: (734) 763-5409
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Provides 24/7 mental health support for Michigan Medicine employees on the medical campus
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The Faculty and Staff Counseling and Consultation Office (FASCCO): (734) 936-8660
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Sexual Assault Prevention and Awareness Center (SAPAC): (734) 936-3333
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Provides free and confidential intervention and/or support for survivors of sexual assault, relationship violence, or sexual harassment
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