Enhancing Graduate Student Wellness: The Graduate House Welcomes Embedded Counselor Caelyn Ditz

By: M. Caroline Helms and Sandra Spiroff

This academic year, the Graduate School experienced an exciting new development: the introduction of our first embedded counselor, thanks to the support of Chancellor Glenn Boyce. Starting in the fall of 2023, Caelyn Ditz, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over a decade of experience, was appointed the first embedded counselor at the Graduate House. The initiative marks a significant advancement in our commitment to the well-being of graduate students at The University of Mississippi (UM).

Caelyn Ditz

Our decision to bring an embedded counselor to the Graduate House stems from a strategic response to the recommendations made by the Graduate School’s Mental Health and Wellness Advisory Board. This board, composed of faculty, staff, postdocs, and graduate students from across the campus, has been dedicated to enhancing our graduate students’ physical, emotional, and psychological well-being through diverse initiatives.

Dr. Kimberly Kotel, a recent Ph.D. graduate in English, served on the board. She shared that the board intended to “… research and propose a series of initiatives intended to advance graduate student well-being–from alleviating financial, emotional, and psychological stress to improving physical health and community—through a variety of solutions, both virtual and physical.” The board made several recommendations to guide the institution in better serving the needs of graduate students. “One of the initiatives involved an embedded counselor in the Graduate House, which we hoped would provide graduate students with an immediate line of professional support–someone with whom they could talk through any stressors or pressing concerns and could help them determine next steps that felt helpful and realizable,” said Kotel.

Graduate School 2023

Embedded counseling services are a growing trend nationally as universities work to address students’ mental health needs. The embedded counseling model expands the locations on campuses where students can attain services from the counseling center, and embedded counselors work to gain a deep understanding of the unique mental health challenges faced by the specific student population they serve. The embedded counseling model also mirrors the link between mental health and academic success—wellness is essential for students to thrive academically. At UM, graduate students can still seek services at the Counseling Center but can also seek services in an academic unit—the Graduate School.

So, who is the UM counselor embedded in the Graduate House? Ditz, who discovered a passion for therapeutic work during her undergraduate studies, obtained her master’s in social work at the University of Michigan. Reflecting on her education, Ditz remarked, “The master’s in social work provides increased knowledge and practice with clinical practice, community organizing, and advocacy.”

Her commitment to supporting graduate students stems from recognizing the unique transitional challenges they face during their academic journey. Ditz finds fulfillment in engaging with these individuals during therapy sessions. As the embedded counselor at the Graduate House, she provides individual therapy to graduate students from any discipline on campus.

“Graduate students have been a great population to work with at the university. I am often impressed with the motivation to seek and work toward progress in therapy with graduate student clients. Graduate school tends to be another transitional period with changes to adjust to each semester,” Ditz said.

Ditz is pivotal in helping graduate students receive proper, individual, and confidential counseling in an on-campus environment. Like all UM counselors on staff, her services are easy to schedule, accessible, and free for graduate students across campus. The University Counseling Center (UCC), located at 220 Lester Hall (662-915-3784), provides free counseling services to students. Students can schedule appointments one of three ways: online, by phone, or in person at Lester Hall. Although many counselors are available to graduate students, only Ms. Ditz sees clients within the Graduate House.

Throughout her tenure, Ditz has aimed to expand the utilization of on-campus counseling services, stressing the importance of having a confidential space where students can comfortably address academic and personal concerns. Although Ditz has an office in the Graduate House, she remains independent of the Graduate School to maintain confidentiality.

Ditz explained the significance of her role, “The embedded position aims to enhance access to counseling services for our graduate students at another campus location. The confidential space at the Graduate House allows students seeking clinical degrees continued opportunities for clinical internship and practicum placement with the University Counseling Center in Lester Hall, while providing free, confidential counseling services on campus.”

One of her favorite spots on campus is Magnolia Way, where she enjoys leisurely strolls, especially when the magnolias are in bloom. Outside of work, Ditz enjoys yoga and letter writing, and she actively participates in organizations dedicated to supporting individuals facing isolation or need.

“Writing and connecting with isolated individuals is my way of demonstrating care,” Ditz shared, underscoring her commitment beyond the professional realm.

Anyone interested in a counseling session with Ms. Ditz or any counselor available to graduate students may visit counseling.olemiss.edu for more information. Other options for scheduling appointments include calling UCC at 662-915-3784 or visiting 220 Lester Hall.

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