In the landscape of higher education, the profound challenges surrounding the mental well-being of college students have reached alarming levels, demanding urgent attention from institutional leaders. The gravity of this issue has intensified over the past decade, with suicide now standing as the second leading cause of death among college-aged students.

As a comprehensive examination of the mental health crisis unfolds, it’s evident that the issue transcends the confines of counseling centers—it’s a pervasive campus-wide challenge that higher education leaders cannot simply hire their way out of.

This blog post delves into the findings of the American Council on Education’s (ACE) recent report, Six Considerations for Student Mental Health in Higher Education for the 2023-24 Academic Year. The report sheds light on six critical areas related to student mental health that demand attention and offers valuable insights for higher education leaders on effectively navigating this complex landscape.

1. The Crucial Role of Counseling Centers and Addressing Turnover

The first point ACE addresses is the staffing challenges faced by counseling centers. Staffing challenges in higher education have been exacerbated by the pandemic, bringing to light the strains on an already overworked system.

Reduced stigma around mental health issues before 2020 prompted an expansion of services and outreach on campuses, but the pandemic created additional caseload strains. A significant aspect of this challenge is the “great resignation,” with 60 percent of counseling centers experiencing higher-than-pre-pandemic staff turnover, as counselors sought more lucrative opportunities and autonomy in private practice or other sectors.

Employee burnout is fueled by factors such as non-competitive salaries and increased workloads due to unfilled positions. The evolving organizational structure of counseling centers, including the removal of directors, reflects a broader shift in meeting student mental health needs.

ACE urges leaders to reconsider service delivery, potentially hiring case managers to handle nonclinical issues and exploring supplemental care services like teletherapy. Moreover, to address burnout and retain staff, leaders should benchmark salaries, focus on retention strategies, and assess staff caseloads using tools like the Clinical Load Index.

Access tips regarding how to make teletherapy more sustainable for your campus here.

2. Breaking Barriers: Cultivating Inclusive Degree Pathways in Mental Health

The next point that ACE emphasizes is the importance of making it more accessible for aspiring mental health professionals, especially those who are students of color and LGBTQ+, to pursue their education and career paths.

The challenges within the mental health sector extend beyond turnover; there is a critical shortage of mental health providers across the United States, with an estimated need for over 100,000 professionals to adequately address the needs of primary and secondary schools.

The scarcity becomes even more pronounced in communities of color and for LGBTQ+ individuals. Recognizing the pivotal role that colleges and universities play, especially in training the next generation of therapists, leaders are urged to create pathways that inspire students to consider counseling careers. The report mentions that incentives such as financial aid, scholarships, and grants can encourage students from historically underserved backgrounds to explore this pathway.

Additionally, leaders should explore ways to expedite the time to degree completion, ensuring that students earn their master’s degrees more efficiently. These initiatives not only benefit the institutions by adequately staffing counseling centers but also contribute to addressing the broader mental health needs of the country.

3. Expanding Upon Positive Federal Initiatives

ACE highlights that we need to build upon the current positive movement that federal and state governments have been making regarding student mental health. The federal government, under the Biden-Harris administration, has made significant strides in addressing mental health concerns in higher education. The Department of Education’s guidance on using Education Emergency Relief Fund dollars specifically for mental health needs stands out, alongside a substantial allocation of nearly $100 million through the Safer Communities Act to support mental health and student well-being.

State leaders are also taking diverse approaches. For instance, the University System of Georgia has initiated a comprehensive mental health effort, incorporating teletherapy to ensure universal access to care. Furthermore, Utah officials are actively collaborating with public higher education institutions to implement a mobile crisis unit, anti-stigma campaigns, and crisis-worker coursework. 

With mental health gaining substantial attention at both federal and state levels, college and university leaders are urged to leverage these initiatives as foundational support. By collaborating with policymakers, boards, and system offices, leaders can further advocate for and strengthen mental health support for students.

4. Embracing Data-Driven Transformation

The next topic addressed in ACE’s report is the importance of implementing evidence-based practices and documenting their impact. Effectively navigating the complex landscape of student mental health requires colleges and universities to carefully choose and invest in evidence-based practices. Despite the plethora of solutions available, not all interventions have proven effective, and the evidence is often scattered across various departments, clinics, and disciplines.

The American Council on Education’s open-access brief, “What Works for Improving Mental Health in Higher Education,”offers valuable insights derived from a comprehensive and multidisciplinary review, categorizing strategies into those with proven effectiveness, promising evidence, and proven ineffectiveness. Campuses can leverage different methods and resources for assessing program effectiveness and mental health impact.

Interested in learning more about data-driven approaches to improving student well-being? Discover how easy reporting can be on your campus.

Widely used measurements like the Healthy Minds Study and the National College Health Assessment offer periodic insights, while tools like the Wellbeing Improvement Survey for Higher Education Settings (WISHES) provide actionable data to adapt institutional structures. Disaggregating data by demographic groups is crucial for identifying and supporting struggling student cohorts.  

Additionally, before adopting third-party solutions, campus leaders are encouraged to scrutinize the evidence supporting their effectiveness and ensure ongoing data collection to measure the return on investment and the actual benefits to student mental health.         

5. Leaning into Public Health-Informed Solutions 

The next consideration ACE emphasizes is the importance of focusing on public health and trauma-informed approaches to address mental health challenges. In the pursuit of enhancing student mental health, college and university leaders are urged to adopt a dual approach, incorporating both public health- and trauma-informed strategies.

Unlike historical reactive measures, a public health-informed approach seeks to address mental health comprehensively and proactively, emphasizing the promotion of healthy lifestyles and establishing systems for prevention, intervention, and postvention.

The JED Foundation’s JED Campus model serves as an exemplary illustration of this approach, focusing on systemic support to prevent crises. Simultaneously, recognizing the rise in pre-college traumatic incidents and the collective trauma from the COVID-19 pandemic, institutions must embrace trauma-informed approaches. Behavioral symptoms, often outcomes of coping with adverse experiences, necessitate engagement with trauma-informed professionals to frame solutions, resources, and training.

One doesn’t need to be a therapist to support students effectively. Leaders, faculty, and staff can contribute to a trauma-informed environment by fostering psychological safety, encouraging collaboration and empowerment, and practicing empathy.  Leaders must acknowledge that a student’s ability to learn and academically advance depends greatly on their mental health.

One-off approaches, such as an online education module or hiring more staff in the counseling center, do not systematically address the issues that impact student mental health. Taking data into account when implementing public health initiatives and trauma-informed strategies can encourage leaders to rethink how to build resilient and adaptive structures on campus to address the root causes of their biggest challenges.

6. Beyond Orientation: The Growing Importance of Educating New Students

The final consideration from ACE’s report is to anticipate that incoming college students will expect there to be mental health support on campus. The transition from K–12 education to higher education is marked by the increasing prevalence of mental health challenges among students. Recent findings from Mental Health America indicate that a significant percentage of youth aged 12 to 17 have experienced major depressive episodes, with the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbating mental health-related emergency department visits for this age group.

High school graduates affected by the pandemic now express uncertainty about attending college, emphasizing the lasting effects on students’ perspectives. The current cohort of ninth graders, who navigated middle school during the pandemic, also faced disruption during the transition to high school, prompting increased mental health resources in K–12 settings.

The report emphasizes that campus leaders must be proactive in meeting the needs and expectations of incoming students and parents. Strategies include:

• Aligning mental health resources with pandemic-related concerns across academic departments
• Fostering outreach and partnerships with K–12 institutions
• Educating the community on appropriate mental health referrals
• Integrating mental health resources seamlessly into the college experience, particularly during the first-year journey

Key Takeaways

The insights from the American Council on Education’s recent report shed light on critical aspects of our educational landscape. As we navigate the complex terrain of campus challenges and opportunities, it’s evident that understanding and addressing the identified trends and recommendations will be instrumental in shaping the future of higher education. The report serves as a valuable resource for educators, policymakers, and stakeholders alike, offering a roadmap for fostering inclusivity, innovation, and excellence in our educational systems.

Looking for more concrete tips and ideas for enhancing your clinic’s effectiveness on campus? Check out our Q&A with Katherine Cornelius, Director of Counseling at Belmont University here to get inspired.

In the corridors of academia, the journey of LGBTQ+ students unfolds amidst unique challenges that often cast shadows on their mental well-being and academic pursuits.

Navigating a landscape that requires not just intellectual fortitude, but resilience in the face of societal stigmas, these students grapple with a distinct set of mental health struggles. Creating a safe and accepting environment can make a significant difference in LGBTQ+ students’ mental health outcomes.

In this blog, we’ll delve into the following topics:

• LGBTQ+ mental health facts and figures
• The need for inclusive mental health services
• The power of supportive communities

Continue reading and discover the importance of creating a safe space for the mental well-being of LGBTQ+ students in higher education, where acceptance is key to success and growth.

Behind the Figures: A Closer Look at LGBTQ+ Mental Health Realities

The mental health disparities faced by LGBTQ+ students are well-documented. According to the American Psychiatric Association, LGBTQ+ individuals are more likely to experience mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation compared to their heterosexual peers. Specifically, LGBTQ individuals are more than twice as likely as heterosexual men and women to have a mental health disorder during their lifetime. Discrimination, stigma, lack of support, and lack of acceptance contribute significantly to these disparities.

It’s important to delve deeper into these statistics to fully comprehend the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals. Studies have shown that LGBTQ+ youth are four times more likely to attempt suicide than their heterosexual peers. This alarming statistic highlights the urgent need for comprehensive mental health support and intervention programs tailored specifically for LGBTQ+ students on campus.

Furthermore, a lack of acceptance can have a profound impact on the mental well-being of LGBTQ+ individuals. Many LGBTQ+ individuals experience rejection from their families and friends, which can result in feelings of isolation and loneliness. These feelings of social isolation can exacerbate mental health conditions and make it even more challenging for individuals to seek support.

Another significant factor contributing to the mental health disparities is the limited access to LGBTQ+-friendly healthcare providers. LGBTQ+ individuals often face barriers when seeking mental health services, as many healthcare professionals may lack the necessary knowledge and cultural competence to provide appropriate care. This lack of access to affirming and inclusive healthcare can further marginalize LGBTQ+ individuals and hinder their ability to receive the support they need.

Furthermore, the mental health struggles faced by LGBTQ+ students can have a profound impact on their academic performance and overall educational journey. Many LGBTQ+ students report experiencing heightened levels of stress, fear, and isolation, which can contribute to higher dropout rates. For instance, about 1 in 4 LGBTQ+ college students have considered dropping out of college due to mental health issues. It is imperative for educational institutions to proactively address these challenges to ensure LGBTQ+ students have the support they need to succeed.

Understanding these statistics is crucial for educational institutions to recognize the urgency of providing targeted support and interventions for LGBTQ+ students. By addressing the unique mental health needs of LGBTQ+ individuals, educational institutions can create a more inclusive and supportive environment, ultimately improving the overall well-being of LGBTQ+ students.

The Need for Inclusive Mental Health Services

One of the biggest challenges faced by LGBTQ+ students is the scarcity of inclusive mental health services. For instance, according to AAMC, “more than 150 million people live in federally designated mental health professional shortage areas.” Moreover, many mental health professionals may lack knowledge and understanding of LGBTQ+ issues, leading to misdiagnosis or inadequate treatment. This can further exacerbate the struggles these students face and hinder their ability to thrive in an academic setting.

However, the importance of inclusive mental health services cannot be overstated. LGBTQ+ students often experience unique challenges and stressors that can have a significant impact on their mental well-being. From navigating their sexual orientation or gender identity to facing discrimination and prejudice, these individuals require specialized support to address their mental health needs effectively.

By providing inclusive mental health services, educational institutions can address these shortcomings. This involves:

• Training mental health professionals on LGBTQ+ mental health issues
• Ensuring practitioners are equipped to provide appropriate care without bias or discrimination
• Creating safe and welcoming spaces where LGBTQ+ students can openly discuss their concerns and seek help without fear of judgment or rejection

Moreover, inclusive mental health services go beyond just addressing immediate concerns. They play a crucial role in promoting long-term mental wellness and resilience among LGBTQ+ students. By providing access to counseling, therapy, and support groups specifically tailored to their needs, educational institutions can empower these students to develop healthy coping mechanisms, build self-esteem, and foster a sense of belonging.

The Power of Supportive Communities

Supportive communities play an integral role in LGBTQ+ students’ mental health. Having a network of friends, peers, and mentors who understand and accept their identity can provide a sense of belonging and emotional support. It’s essential for LGBTQ+ students to have a safe space where they can freely express themselves without fear of judgment or discrimination.

Unfortunately, not all LGBTQ+ students have access to such communities. Some may come from conservative backgrounds or live in areas where LGBTQ+ acceptance is limited. These students often face isolation and loneliness, which can have detrimental effects on their mental well-being. To combat these issues, 22% of LGBTQ+ people picked a college that was far from home to find a more welcoming environment. Without a support system, they may struggle with self-acceptance and experience higher rates of depression and anxiety.

Educational institutions play a crucial role in fostering supportive communities for LGBTQ+ students. By creating LGBTQ+ student organizations, support groups, and gender-inclusive housing, universities and colleges can provide a platform for students to connect with like-minded individuals, share experiences, and seek guidance. These spaces offer a sense of belonging and validation, which can significantly improve mental health outcomes.

Moreover, it is not enough to merely establish these organizations; educational institutions must also ensure that they’re inclusive and welcoming. Providing LGBTQ+ cultural competency training to faculty, staff, and students is vital in creating a more accepting campus environment. This training equips individuals with the knowledge and understanding necessary to support and advocate for students effectively.

Key Takeaways

The mental health struggles faced by LGBTQ+ students are profound and multifaceted, rooted in societal challenges, discrimination, and a lack of understanding. The stark statistics highlight the urgent need for comprehensive support systems within educational institutions. By recognizing and addressing these unique challenges, we can pave the way for a more inclusive and affirming environment.

Take your counseling center to new heights and better serve your students. Learn more about supporting students across campus.

Interested in learning more about how your campus health solutions can become more integrated and impactful?  Connect with a member of our team.

Are you curious about the inner workings of a university counseling center and how they support student mental health? During our recent Top of Mind counseling webinar, we sat down with Katherine Cornelius, the Director of Counseling at Belmont University, to discuss various aspects of campus counseling, including innovative programs like Walk and Talk, challenges with intern training, HIPAA compliance, and counselor caseloads. Her valuable insights provide a glimpse into the world of campus counseling and how institutions like Belmont are adapting to meet the diverse needs of their students.

Below are some questions we received during the webinar from our viewers and what Katherine had to say:

Q1: What are some ways you’ve gotten students to engage with your outreach programming?

Katherine: Our Walk and Talk program is a unique approach to counseling that we’ve implemented at Belmont. The Walk and Talk cards play an essential role in this initiative. They are essentially a set of prompts or questions designed to encourage meaningful and reflective conversations between a student and their peer while walking outdoors. These cards help facilitate open discussions about various topics, allowing students to connect with their peers in a more relaxed and informal setting. We’ve seen great success with Walk and Talk on our campus.

Want to dive deeper into the Walk and Talk activity? Check out this clip from our webinar with some example questions from Katherine here.

Q2: I’m seeing increased challenges with training interns to do outreach work (collaborating and building ideas together), as well as attracting new staff who are interested in doing both outreach as well as the 1:1 clinical work. I’m wondering if this speaks to similar experiences you described with students struggling to come together…any thoughts?

Katherine: “We’ve definitely noticed the same thing, and I think you’re right that it’s connected! The common thread is collaboration, whether among students or within the counseling team. Encouraging interns to engage in outreach work and attracting staff interested in a diverse set of responsibilities are shared goals. By recognizing these common challenges, your counseling team can develop strategies to address them effectively.”

Q3: We’re considering Walk and Talk and things of that nature. Any tips on handling HIPAA and confidentiality, especially if a closed group wants to go out on campus?

Katherine: To ensure students’ privacy and security, the counseling team talks through these concerns with the group before heading out. Closed groups, who mutually agree to participate, discuss potential privacy issues and arrive at solutions that protect confidentiality while still allowing for an open and therapeutic environment. This approach ensures that students can benefit from these unique counseling experiences without compromising their privacy.

Q4: What does the caseload look like for each clinician, if they also have outreach responsibilities on their plate?

Katherine: Clinicians carry a caseload of 20-25 clients per week, focusing on clinical care for four days. Additionally, they dedicate one day a week to serving in the walk-in clinic. While clinical care is their primary responsibility, each clinician also serves in one extra area, showcasing the multifaceted roles and commitments of counseling professionals at Belmont.

Key Takeaways

Thank you again to Katherine for being a part of our webinar and providing valuable insights to our audience! We hope you found these Q&As helpful and gained a deeper understanding of the intricate web of responsibilities and initiatives that make up successful outreach events for college counseling centers. Katherine’s insights on innovative programs such as Walk and Talk, the training challenges that accompany outreach work, and the meticulous handling of confidentiality concerns provide a comprehensive view of the ever-evolving field of campus counseling.

Access the full webinar recording and accompanying resources here.