Annual report examines state of college student mental heath
Adapted Media Release
Published: Today
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Despite increased demand for counseling centers on college campuses, students aren't necessarily getting sicker. Instead, it's likely student mental health needs across the country have increased due to national prevention and awareness efforts over the past decade. "The results we are seeing are the outcomes we would expect to see from suicide prevention efforts over the last decade," said Ben Locke, executive director of the Center for Collegiate Mental Health at Penn State.
"We've been asked if students are sicker today, and this doesn't seem to be supported by the data. Over the last six years, the rate at which students report prior mental health treatment has not increased, but with communities being primed to say 'that's a problem, let's find you help,' more students are being referred."
In response to growing demand, university counseling centers also have experienced operational changes over the last six years. They are providing 28 percent more "rapid-access" service hours per client and 7.6 percent fewer "routine" service hours per client. With more resources going into "rapid-access" services - first-time and emergency appointments - counseling centers' routine treatment capacities are likely being impacted, especially when funding is flat.
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/releases/315251.php
