College students have a reputation for being overwhelmed, but what about the people and services available to help them cope? As the number of severe psychological cases continues to increase among college students, the demand on college counseling centers is also on the rise. Results from the 2010 National Survey of Counseling Center Directors have been released and include the latest trends among counseling centers and solutions to problems and challenges in the field.
The 320 centers surveyed represent 2.75 million students who are eligible for counseling services at their respective schools. That leaves the ratio of counselors to students at 1 to 1,600–a ratio that is constantly under pressure.
More students are utilizing campus counseling centers, and according to the survey, their psychological problems are becoming more severe. In fact, 91 percent of directors report that the recent trend toward a greater number of students suffering from severe psychological problems is true on their campus. In addition, over the past five years, directors have noted increases in crisis issues requiring immediate response such as alcohol abuse, illicit drug use, eating disorders and self-injury. However, it is difficult for centers to provide this immediate response to so many, especially during busy times of year when nearly thirty percent of centers have a waiting list.
To address these growing numbers and concerns, counseling centers are utilizing a number of methods. Some of the most popular methods focus on training existing staff. Almost 60 percent of centers have increased the amount of time spent training faculty and others to be able to respond to students in trouble and 49 percent increased training for clinical staff in working with difficult cases. Other actions taken include providing more mandated suicide assessments, providing gatekeeper training to students, faculty and staff, holding extended evening hours and making greater use of peer education groups.
College students are feeling more stressed, but so are their counselors. Two-thirds of directors reported that their job was more stressful than it was five years ago. Directors cited multiple reasons including time pressures, increased administrative demands, budget issues and growing expectations on campus for counseling centers to reduce the possibility of tragic campus events.
The National Survey of Counseling Center Directors has been conducted since 1981 and continues to provide insightful information into the world of college mental health. For the full report, please click here.