“You Are Not Alone” A Mental Health Partnership Model Presented by Mark McCabe Ed.D., Asst VP, Student Affairs Lisa Doak MA, Glenwood Springs Dean of Student Affairs Brian Hoza MA, Steamboat Springs Dean of Student Affairs Skip Lee MA, Leadville Dean of Student Affairs

Presentation Format Components of a successful MHP Survey of participants Small group work on MHP components Presentation on small group work Wrap Up

Learning Outcomes As a result of participating in the Mental Health Partnership presentation, participants will: - Understand the importance of partnering - Understand how to obtain partnering resources - Understand how to apply effective partnering strategies

Student Trends The number of students experiencing “stress” that interferes with their studies is increasing as are the number of students entering colleges with a diagnosed mental illness. (Chronicle, January 27, 2011) Courts expect colleges to understand their role as caretaker of their students. Parental notification and issues of confidentiality can be difficult, but clarity and communication can help.

Student Trends Collaborating with local community mental health resources is an effective way to help colleges deliver appropriate services. Many of the mental health problems that plague students are treatable, and colleges can help prevent more serious problems by offering programs and events on how to cope. Stress and depression are the top mental health issues for today’s students. Tucson Tragedy is another wake up call for all of us. When will we learn to be more proactive and less reactive?

Mental Health Partnership Model Develop group of committed individuals Identify crisis/referral data. Identify mental health partners Identify administrative champion Identify budget cycle Develop proposal Politic with decision makers

Partnership With State Mental Health Agencies Network with larger mental health providers in your area/ state that can help provide you with additional resources. Contact the Veterans Administration for resources and assistance with veterans, reservists and active duty personnel who are enrolled at your institution. Partnership with organizations like Project Healing Waters and the Wounded Warrior Project. Contact state level representatives that have a known interest in mental health issues. They can bring awareness to your agenda.

Mental Health Training Contact local college/university for training resources. Contact local mental health provide for training resources. See if your local mental health provider is certified to provide mental health training for community.

Mental Health Training Mental Health First Aid USA – A program developed in Australia and has been adopted by more than 12 countries, including the U.S. MHFA training helps an individual, who doesn’t have clinical training, assist someone experiencing a mental health crisis. The goal is to help support an individual until they can receive appropriate help, with the added underlying intention to promote mental health literacy.

Mental Health Training MHFA is a 12-hour training program that covers the following: - Depression - Anxiety disorders - Psychosis - Substance use - Eating disorders - First aid for mental health crises Completion of 12 hours of training – participants will receive certification in mental health first aid. Contact information: www.MentalHealthFirstAid.org

Mental Health Local Partnership Partnership Models: Individual Counselor/MSW (Private Practice) Group Private Practice State, Regional or Local Mental Health Agency Community Health Provider (examples: Public Health, Human Services, Community Support Office) Other

Mental Health Local Partnership Current Campus Models: Student Assistance Program (SAP) Local Mental Health Agency Hours On Campus Staffed by Local Provider, Off campus appt. Mutually agreed representative or appropriate counselor assigned at Center Student Fee Funded by Student Government Association Contract through Third Party Campus Confirms Hours -> Submitted to Agency -> Agency Pays Counselor Campus Pays Agency Campus Purchases Educational Materials & Handles Promotions and Publications

Student Assistance Program (Contd.) Functional Space and Location Office, Phone, Secure Records, Meeting Space Inclusion in Student Support Team Scheduling Systems Appointments/Referrals Made through Student Affairs Office Walk-In Referral Arrangement & Access to Local Office and On-Call Added Value Individuals, Groups, In-Services, Presence, Associate Team Member, Access to Array of Professionals

Administrative and Financial Support Assess level of support - Any institutional history/policies around funding/providing MH services? - What is administrative level of awareness and interest? Create awareness - Collect data on your campus, share national data - Connect student mental health and student success - Create awareness through presentations, MH summit

Administrative and Financial Support Use a champion, strategize ways to garner support, set timeline and goals Promote partnerships providing services Consider/utilize multiple sources for $ support - General budget funds, auxiliary, student fees, grants If you don’t succeed, try again!

Mental Health Referral Process Contract is signed with CO West and CO West Central 2008 – present, faculty, staff and administrators can refer a student to local MH College counselor does follow up on all referred students Local MH will do a free to student, onsite or offsite assessment Students can receive up to four follow up visits ($10.00 co pay) Average number of visits is three What is your level of referral?

MH Referral Students Persistence Retention Rates 2008/09 - 22 students referred @$272 41% retained following semester 2009/10 - 33 students referred @$250 43% retained following semester

Group Work Meet with three or four people Identify the score that you would like to improve at your school Discuss strategies for a better partnership that will enable you to improve your Mental Health program

Questions? Best Practices! Next Steps Water bottles!!!