We propose a three step “solution” for colleges to take control of the mental health crisis on their campus by focusing on community support and prevention:
1. Reduce Counseling Wait Times
In the United States, college counseling centers currently have average wait times for appointments of up to 37.4 days (AUCCCD) with some colleges having wait times over 100 days. Students experiencing mental health issues may not be able to wait 37 days for an appointment.
These long wait times are commonly attributed to very high student-to-counselor ratios and inefficiencies in the counseling scheduling process. By hiring more counselors with the assistance of state and federal mental health funding, as well as implementing online booking systems, college counseling departments can reduce the student-to-counselor ratio and improve scheduling efficiency, reducing the wait times experienced by students in need.
2. Establish Peer-Support Networks
In order to reduce the workload for college counselors and provide counseling resources outside of college business hours, colleges can establish student run peer-support networks where student employees or volunteers trained by CAPS counselors can help assist other students in need, via a phone line, text line, or app.
3. Community Wellness Events
To advertise college counseling resources and promote mental wellness, colleges should host community wellness events where students can take a break from classes and focus on their mental health.
While wellness events can vary widely, colleges typically offer mental health days or a mental health festival (commonly referred to as a Destress Fest) around final exams where campus counseling services can put booths around campus advertising resources, guest speakers hold lectures providing mental health tips, and students can participate in relaxing activities such as meditation or music.
Action Plan
- Hire More Counselors (Led by college HR)
- Apply for state and federal suicide prevention grants
- Raise student body fees if necessary
- Post job listings, host interviews & complete hiring process
- Improve Scheduling Efficiency (Led by college IT)
- Purchase, deploy and integrate online booking system with college & CAPS systems.
- Establish Peer Support Network (Led by CAPS & college IT)
- Build call center, phone / text line or app, depending on implementation
- Advertise job or volunteer position and hire students
- Train students on peer counseling
- Advertise peer support network
- Hold First Wellness Event (Led by CAPS & college marketing)
- If desired, cancel classes during period of event
- Hire guest speakers and musicians
- Setup booths around campus
- Advertise resources through college social media