Student mental health: an integrated approach

By Adrian Sherman and Frank Haber. Most colleges and universities view mental health issues among international students as the exclusive responsibility of the international education office and, perhaps, any available campus counselling service. While this approach is generally acceptable for most mild mental health issues, it will not suffice for more serious concerns. There needs to be a much more integrated approach. What are the steps you should take in order to establish effective mental health management at your institution?
A proactive approach
Having an international student dealing with a serious mental health crisis on your campus can have a ripple effect, impacting other students (particularly internationals), various offices, senior administrators, and the larger non-academic community. By preparing your response in advance to such a situation rather than waiting to make complicated decisions in the midst of complex situations, you will be in a better position to help the student affected. A good place to start is setting up a permanent committee to assume responsibility and develop training programmes for staff. At a minimum, this committee should include representatives from the international office, student affairs, student services, the Dean of Students (or the equivalent), security, and counselling services. If your institution does not have its own counsellors, then a counsellor from the community who is familiar with your campus will suffice. Read more...