The fund also extends to the survivors’ parents or legal guardians and their spouses, according to a university webpage about the fund.

However, according to the webpage, the reimbursement does not apply to treatment or hospitalization for reasons unrelated to mental health, referrals, non FDA-approved prescription medication, or therapy/support pets. 

“Our goal is to support survivors in obtaining the counseling and mental health services they need,” Dianne Byrum, chairperson of the Board of Trustees, said in the release. “The enhancements to the fund coverage are a direct result of feedback from survivors and their advocates. We appreciate them working with the university to improve this resource.”

The change comes after the outbreak of COVID-19, during which people are strongly encouraged to practice social distancing. This doesn’t allow students to visit their mental health providers in-person, even though they still need the services.

“These unprecedented times bring heightened awareness to the need for telehealth services and access to quality, comprehensive health care,” President Samuel L. Stanley Jr. said in the press release. “The survivors have expressed the need for the fund to be expanded to cover more of the mental health support they seek and I’m glad we can make it available to them.”

Those who are eligible must submit a reimbursement request within one year of the services they received, according to the webpage. The reimbursement request form, along with additional information, can be found at https://msu.edu/ourcommitment/healing-fund/.