Tag: Mental Health

Peer support programs have become a vital part of supporting student mental health, empowering students to connect and support one another. These initiatives help reduce the stigma surrounding mental health, creating supportive networks where students can openly share their experiences and challenges.

The structuring of these programs can vary, but at their core, they are student-led initiatives that create a safe space for mental health conversations.

In this blog, we’ll discuss the benefits of peer support programs and how to incorporate a peer support program on your campus. We’ll also share insights from Clare Kehoe and Lindsey Kilpatrick from Morgan’s Message, an organization shedding light on student-athlete mental health and peer support programs.

But First – Why Are Peer Support Programs So Important, Anyway?

Peer support programs are designed to foster connections among students, allowing them to share experiences and provide mutual support. The structure of these programs can vary, but at their core, they are student-led initiatives that create a safe space for mental health conversations.

Studies show that 20% of college students engage in formal peer counseling, and another 62% of those who haven’t yet used it express interest in doing so. The most common reasons students seek peer support include:

• Stress
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Social Life Challenges
• Loneliness

Moreover, culturally competent peer counseling is especially important, as usage is higher among Black students (39%), Transgender students (39%), and first-generation students (29%). These students often prioritize finding peer counselors with shared identities and experiences.

Not only do students want support, but they also find meaning in giving it. Around 45% of students who provide peer counseling cite “helping others” as their primary motivation. Also, those involved in peer counseling report higher well-being scores than those who do not participate.

A significant portion of students—36%—say that, when facing a serious mental health issue, they would first turn to a friend or romantic partner for support. The desire for peer support has been amplified by the COVID-19 pandemic, with 48% of students reporting they are now more likely to seek peer counseling. This is especially true for Black students (58%), Latinx students (54%), Transgender students (61%), and first-generation students (54%).

The Advisor’s Role in Peer Support Programs: Dos and Don’ts

Having a staff or faculty advisor is crucial for the success of peer support programs. Advisors provide essential support, strengthen the initiative, and help drive meaningful change on campus. They bridge student-led efforts with the broader campus community, ensuring alignment with institutional goals and securing necessary resources.

Here’s a quick guide to maximize their impact:

Dos for Advisors:

• Facilitate logistics: Help students reserve rooms, coordinate schedules, and manage event setups.
• Provide administrative support: Ensure compliance with campus policies and assist with communication across departments.
• Empower student leaders: Offer guidance without overshadowing or micromanaging their initiatives.
• Foster collaboration: Serve as a bridge between student groups and campus administration to align efforts with institutional goals.
• Encourage skill development: Help students build skills in organization, communication, and leadership through their roles in the program.

Don’ts for Advisors:

• Take over decision-making: Allow students to lead and own their programs to maintain the authenticity of peer support.
• Limit creativity: Avoid imposing rigid structures that could stifle innovation, collaboration, or enthusiasm.
• Undermine student voices: Always prioritize and respect student input and lived experiences in shaping program initiatives.
• Neglect program alignment: Ensure that the program consistently reflects the mission and needs of the campus community.

Focusing on these dos and don’ts creates an environment where students thrive, fostering collaboration and lasting impact through peer support programs.

Maximizing the Impact of Peer-Led Programs

According to the College Peer Support Report 2023, peer-led initiatives are uniquely positioned to address a wide range of student needs, from fostering inclusion to supporting academic and emotional well-being. To ensure these programs reach their full potential, campuses should focus on four key strategies:

1. Empower Students and Those with Lived Experiences to Lead: Student-led programs are uniquely positioned to address broader issues that impact student engagement and inclusion. Unlike staff-led initiatives, these programs often offer group activities, academic support, and opportunities to foster community connections, making them a cornerstone of holistic well-being on campus.
2. Provide Comprehensive Peer Support Training: While all students involved in peer support programs should feel adequately trained, there is a demand for additional resources. Training that focuses on systems navigation, cultural humility, and addressing specific mental health experiences—such as psychosis or self-harm—can empower student leaders to point fellow students towards critical support.
3. Adopt a Trauma-Informed Approach: Ensuring that programs are trauma-informed is critical for supporting student mental health effectively. Peer leaders often express the need for tools to redirect students in crisis towards accessible and thoughtful support options that will help, not further harm, their peers.
4. Invest in Peer Support Programs: Sustainable funding is essential for growing and maintaining impactful peer support initiatives. These programs not only enhance campus well-being but also expose students to potential careers in mental health, creating a ripple effect of positive change. Investments in educational resources and inter-campus collaboration efforts can further expand the reach and effectiveness of peer support programs.

Strategies for Success

Peer support programs thrive when they engage students in meaningful activities, such as mental health education games or mindfulness workshops. These events help students build skills to manage stress while fostering openness and reducing stigma.

Collaboration across campus is another critical factor in amplifying these programs’ impact. Partnering with other groups allows peer-led initiatives to influence broader policies and create a unified approach to student well-being.

For example, at UMass Lowell, Morgan’s Message inspired the Athletic Director to hire the university’s first-ever athletics-specific mental health counselor. This success story illustrates how peer programs can spark transformative change:

To ensure effectiveness, campuses should prioritize:

• Elevating student leadership and lived experience
• Offering ongoing training for peer leaders
• Using a trauma-informed approach
• Investing in long-term program sustainability

When combined with collaboration and campus-wide engagement, these strategies can create lasting change in supporting student mental health.

The Power of Peer-Led Support

Peer support programs not only reduce the stigma surrounding mental health but also build lasting support systems for students. Empowering students to lead these initiatives fosters a sense of belonging and strengthens campus communities.

Research highlights the unique value of peer-led programs, which often complement staff-led initiatives. While clinical counseling programs address more advanced and specific mental health needs, peer-led programs offer holistic opportunities for students to connect vulnerably with one another. Together, these approaches ensure students have access to a diverse menu of mental health resources to meet their needs.

Creating mentorship opportunities and safe spaces for connection, peer-led initiatives play a crucial role in ensuring no student feels isolated. These programs help students thrive—academically, socially, and emotionally—while reinforcing the importance of shared experiences and mutual support.

Key Takeaways

Peer support programs are essential for fostering a healthy, supportive environment on college campuses. Creating spaces where students can turn to their peers for help improves mental health outcomes and strengthens the sense of connection within the campus community.

Download Morgan’s Message’s education guide to access structured monthly meeting topics.

In today’s competitive higher education landscape, colleges and universities face growing pressure to prove their value. One of the most effective ways to do this? Invest in student well-being programs.

By prioritizing wellness programs, institutions improve students’ well-being and positively impact retention, satisfaction, and graduation rates. How these types of programs enhance campus value goes beyond just student success—it strengthens the institution’s overall appeal and value to students and their families.

Why Student Health Matters More Than Ever

Freshman enrollment was down by 5% in 2023 compared to the previous year, but the impact varies across different types of colleges:

Public and Private Nonprofit Four-Year Institutions: Experiencing considerable drops, with freshman enrollment down by 8.5% and 6.5%, respectively.

Four-Year Institutions with High Pell Grant Recipients: Seeing the most severe declines, with enrollment plummeting over 10%.

Community Colleges: Facing a much smaller impact, with only a 0.4% decline in freshman enrollment.

Considering these trends, colleges must focus on improving attrition and retention rates. A supportive environment that addresses mental health challenges is essential for enhancing the overall college experience. A 2022 National College Health Assessment (NCHA) study found that depression hinders academic performance for 24.3% of college students, while anxiety affects 34%.

Clearly, student wellness programs aren’t just a “nice-to-have;” it’s a critical factor in academic success and institutional stability.

Addressing these health challenges allows colleges to show how well-being programs enhance campus value and positively impact students in many ways.

The Financial ROI of Wellness Programs

Investing in wellness programs can be financially beneficial for institutions. Here’s how:

Rising Recruitment Cost

Recruitment costs for colleges and universities are on the rise, placing additional financial pressure on institutions to attract and retain students. For four-year private institutions, the average cost to recruit a single student now stands at $2,795, while public institutions spend around $494 per student.

Improved Student Satisfaction

Health and wellness services are key considerations for students when selecting a college. Yet, only about a quarter of students express satisfaction with their wellness facilities, and another quarter see room for improvement. Investing in comprehensive wellness offerings can be a meaningful way for colleges to boost student satisfaction and support academic success.

Higher Graduation Rates

Furthermore, around half of students report that struggling with their physical health and wellness hinders their academic performance. This emphasizes the need for supportive resources that promote student health to help them succeed academically, and in turn, graduate. Additionally, higher graduation rates improve an institution’s reputation and rankings, which can attract even more students.

Essential Components of a Campus Wellness Program

To maximize the ROI of wellness programs, colleges need a well-rounded approach that meets diverse student needs. Here’s a breakdown of what a successful wellness program includes:

• Mental Health Support: Quick access to high-quality mental health services can make a world of difference for struggling students.
• Preventive Health Services: Regular check-ups, vaccination clinics, and health education promote overall health.
• Wellness Workshops and Training: Stress management, resilience training, and sleep hygiene workshops empower students to take control of their well-being.
• Digital Health Tools: Telehealth and wellness apps make it easy for students to access support, no matter where they are.

These components highlight how wellness programs enhance campus value by addressing critical aspects of student health, supporting both academic success and personal growth.

Measuring the ROI of Wellness Programs

To justify the investment in wellness programs, institutions should measure their impact on student success. Tracking these metrics can clearly demonstrate how wellness programs enhance campus value:

• Retention and Graduation Rates: High retention and graduation rates reflect positively on the institution’s ability to support students.
• Utilization Rates of Health Services: Tracking the usage of mental health and wellness services shows their value to the administration.
• Student Satisfaction Scores: Surveys can reveal how students perceive wellness services, highlighting areas of improvement.

Evaluating these metrics allows colleges to see firsthand how wellness programs enhance campus value and contribute to long-term success.

Key Takeaways

Well-being programs inarguably enhance campus value. These programs create healthier students, boost retention, and foster loyalty. Colleges that prioritize wellness are not only helping students succeed but also reinforcing the worth of higher education.

Ultimately, how wellness programs enhance campus value is about more than just ROI. It’s about creating an environment where students can thrive, graduate, and look back on their college experience with pride. Making this commitment, colleges position themselves as leaders in the evolving landscape of higher education, and students reap the benefits.

Continued Reading: Mental Health Support Proven to Improve Student Retention

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

In recent years, there has been a growing recognition of the importance of creating inclusive health and counseling centers for LGBTQIA+ students. Ensuring that all students, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity, feel safe and supported is crucial for their well-being and academic success.

Let’s walk through some best practices that will make your health and counseling centers more inclusive for LGBTQIA+ students. Plus, continue reading to learn what top schools like Rutgers, Tufts, and Ohio State are doing to support their campus communities.

1. Staff Training and Education

Provide ongoing training for healthcare providers and counseling staff on LGBTQIA+ health concerns and challenges. This includes understanding the specific mental health needs of LGBTQIA+ students, as well as using inclusive language and respecting students’ preferred names and pronouns. Staff should be well-versed in cultural competency to create an environment where LGBTQIA+ students feel seen and respected.

2. Inclusive Policies and Practices

Work with campus leadership to develop and implement policies that explicitly prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. Ensure that these policies are clearly communicated to both staff and students. Incorporate inclusive practices such as providing gender-neutral bathrooms within your clinics and offering a range of options on intake forms to capture a student’s gender identity and preferred name. Make sure this information is prominently displayed in your EHR and scheduling systems so that staff can refer to a student the right way, the first time.

3. Visible Support and Resources

Display LGBTQIA+ affirming materials, such as posters, brochures, and pride flags in health and counseling centers. This visible support can help create a welcoming atmosphere. Additionally, provide resources and referrals to LGBTQIA+-friendly healthcare providers, therapists, and support groups both on-campus and in your local community.

Note: Unique strategies for promoting resources to students can be found here.

4. Confidentiality and Privacy

Ensure that confidentiality and privacy are prioritized, as many students may be concerned about being outed or facing discrimination. Reassure students that their information will be kept private and that their healthcare needs will be handled with sensitivity and respect.

5. Student Feedback and Involvement

Engage LGBTQIA+ students in the development and evaluation of health and counseling services. Solicit feedback through surveys, focus groups, and advisory committees to ensure that services are meeting their needs and to identify areas for improvement.

6. Comprehensive Coverage

Advocate for student health insurance plans to include comprehensive coverage for LGBTQIA+ healthcare needs. This should encompass routine care, mental health services, and specific needs such as hormone replacement therapy, gender-affirming surgeries, and other gender-affirming treatments. Ensuring that insurance plans do not exclude this type of care is critical for the health and well-being of LGBTQIA+ students.

7. Policy Guidelines

Refer to established guidelines and best practices, such as those provided by the American College Health Association (ACHA). ACHA provides a Trans-Inclusive College Health Programs guide for creating inclusive healthcare environments, for example. This guide provides recommendations on medical records, health informatics, mental health services, and continuing education and training.

8. Equitable Access

Promote equitable access to well-being services to ensure that all students can achieve their full academic potential. Addressing chronic or acute physical and mental health needs promptly can meaningfully contribute to their success on campus.

Real-World Examples and Best Practices

Drawing inspiration from successful initiatives in higher education, we can create more inclusive health and counseling centers.

Here are some examples of how schools across the country are prioritizing LGBTQIA+ health and wellness:

• Rutgers University offers comprehensive care for transgender and gender non-binary students through the Rutgers Center for Transgender Health. This center provides medical counseling, hormone therapy, hormone-level monitoring, and assistance with referrals to external providers such as surgeons and endocrinologists. Additionally, they help students with signing official name-change documents.

  Health services include continuous hormone therapy, laboratory testing, genital and chest reconstruction surgery, psychotherapy, and surgery to change secondary sex characteristics. Rutgers Student Health ensures gender-affirming care for all registered students, regardless of their insurance coverage, including those on the Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP).

  Counseling services include individual and group counseling, crisis management, substance abuse assessment and treatment, and psychiatric services. The center is dedicated to improving transgender and non-binary health through evidence-based care, research, and education, aiming to create a welcoming and supportive environment throughout the gender affirmation process.

• Tufts University offers comprehensive, inclusive health services for LGBTQIA+ students, including specialized trans health care, hormone treatment, and gender-affirming surgery information. Students can self-identify their name, gender identity, and pronouns in records.

  Gender-affirming hormone Treatment (GAHT) and surgeries follow World Professional Association of Transgender Health (WPATH) guidelines, with support for medication and ongoing care. Insurance and billing assistance is available, and mental health support is provided throughout the process. The university also offers additional resources for ongoing support and name changes.

• Ohio State University offers extensive mental health support for LGBTQIA+ students through one-on-one counseling, drop-in consultations, and specialized workshops and support groups. Several therapists specialize in LGBTQ+ concerns. CCS supports groups for queer undergraduate and graduate students, plus transgender/non-binary students.

  The Gender Affirming Primary Care Clinic offers transition-related care, primary care, STI testing, HIV PrEP, vaccinations, hormone therapy, and referrals for gender-affirming surgery. The clinic emphasizes teaching future medical professionals to provide affirming care to the transgender community.

Key Takeaways

Creating inclusive health and counseling centers for LGBTQIA+ students is not just about meeting regulatory requirements; it is about fostering an environment where all students can thrive.

By implementing practical steps such as staff training, inclusive clinic policies, and comprehensive healthcare coverage, institutions can ensure that LGBTQIA+ students feel supported and valued. This, in turn, contributes to their academic success and overall well-being.

As we move forward, continuous engagement with the LGBTQIA+ community will be essential in refining these practices and addressing emerging needs.

Continued Reading: Learn more about how and why campuses are focusing on LGBTQIA+ mental health, in particular.

Approximately 9% of people in the United States are estimated to experience an eating disorder at some point in their life. Given this prevalence, addressing eating disorders among college students requires a multifaceted approach, involving collaboration between various departments within your institution. Let’s explore strategies and initiatives aimed at providing comprehensive assistance to students with eating disorders, recognizing the importance of early identification and establishing clear referral pathways for effective intervention and support.

Recognizing the Signs and Symptoms in College Settings

Early identification of eating disorders is crucial for effective intervention and support. Training programs can be implemented to provide staff with the knowledge and skills necessary to identify warning signs and initiate appropriate interventions. These programs should also emphasize the importance of creating a supportive and non-judgmental environment where students feel comfortable seeking help.

In addition to staff training programs, colleges can establish screening mechanisms to proactively identify students at risk of developing eating disorders. These screenings can be integrated into health assessments or conducted through anonymous surveys to encourage honest responses.

Implementing a Holistic Support System for Students

A holistic support system encompasses various components that cater to the physical, emotional, and psychological well-being of students with eating disorders. This includes combining the expertise of nutritionists, counselors, and medical professionals who specialize in eating disorders.

Student support groups focused on eating disorders can also be helpful. These groups foster a sense of community and provide opportunities for peer support. Moreover, they offer a safe space for students to share their experiences, gain insights from each other, and develop coping strategies.

In addition to individual counseling services, group therapy sessions can be organized to address common challenges faced by students with eating disorders. These sessions can focus on building self-esteem, improving body image, and developing healthy relationships with food.

Furthermore, incorporating mindfulness practices such as yoga and meditation into the support system can help students manage stress and cultivate a positive relationship with their bodies. These practices promote self-awareness and can encourage students to redirect negative thoughts about themselves and their body image.

Learn more about how you can bring holistic wellness to your college here.

Creating Clear Referral Pathways

An essential part of a multifaceted approach is the establishment of clear referral pathways to external resources and treatment facilities. If colleges don’t have staff who specialize in eating disorder treatment, they should ensure they have external resources that they can connect students with. Clear referral pathways facilitate a seamless transition from internal support systems to external treatment and provide students with ongoing support throughout their recovery journey.

Additionally, colleges can create comprehensive resource guides that outline available external resources, treatment options, and support groups. These guides can be distributed to students, staff, and faculty to increase awareness and facilitate referrals when necessary. Taking these steps can help colleges ensure that students receive timely and appropriate care, ultimately promoting their well-being and academic success.

Key Takeaways

Developing a multifaceted approach is crucial for supporting students with eating disorders in educational settings. By employing the strategies mentioned above, colleges can provide comprehensive support for students with eating disorders and contribute to helping them lead happy, healthy lives.

Empower your college to make a positive impact on students’ well-being. Learn more about leveraging our counseling EHR solution to support your clinic and students.