HOW TO ASSESS A COLLEGES MENTAL HEALTH OFFERINGS Moderator: Traci Flowers, MEd – Loyola Academy

Jennifer Buxton McClendon, MEd, EdS – University of Missouri Jennifer L. Jeziorski-Fast, PsyD – Lake Forest College Michael McClendon, PsyD – University of Tulsa Benjamin Schwartz, PsyD – University of Illinois - Chicago Panelists:

Mental Health Awareness Why is mental health during the college years so important? High stress environment Prime time for initial presenting concerns Pre-existing conditions & learning to cope without parents Growing focus on mental health resources

Variable needs based on student population Institutional Demographics

Lake Forest College ~1500 students, primarily residential 58% female, 42% male 24% ethnic minority 13:1 student to faculty ratio 122 faculty, 98% with PhDs 16% international students 78 countries 40+ languages spoken on campus 50%+ are in varsity, intramural, or club athletics Most involved in one or more of 50+ campus organizations

University of Illinois - Chicago Urban campus setting 27,500 Students 16,500 undergraduate 11,000 graduate Regularly in top 10 most diverse campuses in U.S. International and non- traditional students 80% Receive financial aid 85% Commuters

University of Missouri Columbia, MO 34,000+ total students, 26,500 undergraduates Mostly traditional 22% Pell eligible Growing minority & internation al student population (120 countries) Growing non-resident population: ~20% of 2012 freshman class from Illinois ~70% of J-School in non-resident

University of Tulsa Tulsa, OK 4,092 Students 3,004 Undergraduate 23% International Students 66 different countries 44% China 14% Saudi Arabia Smallest Division I NCAA school with a football team ~10% Student Athletes

Psychological Services Staff Total Enrollment Full Time Psychologists (PhD or PsyD) Graduate Assistants/ Practicum Students/ Interns Support Staff Lake Forest College 1, University of IL- Chicago 27, University of Missouri 34, University of Tulsa 4,

What students, families, and counselors can be looking for when searching for schools: Disability Services vs. Student Counseling/Psychological Services Is mental health considered in the application process? Request to meet with each department during campus visit. Dont forget off campus resources. Student discounts may be available Encourage students to be advocates for themselves.

Good Questions to Consider: Is there an additional cost for services? (Session limit, cancellation fee, etc.) Are assessment services offered? What documentation is required or helpful when seeking treatment? Should a student keep their therapist/counselor/doctor from home? Off campus/referral service availability

Active Minds: History Founded in 2003 by Alison Malmon at U of Penn Prompted by suicide of her older brother during her sophomore year National, non-profit organization On college campuses, starting to pop up in high schools 423 chapters nationwide

Active Minds Chapters Student run with a faculty advisor Raise awareness on campuses and in their communities Promote positive mental health Educate peers about the signs and symptoms of mental health disorders Encourage students to reach out for help when needed Refer students to campus resources Typical Chapter Activities: Step Inside My Head: Teens Speak Out Post SecretU Play Dates during finals week to relieve stress Awareness Campaigns Mental Health workshops Stress management, other life skills Act as peer advisors/counselors

Jennifer L. Jeziorski-Fast, PsyD – Lake Forest College Michael McClendon, PsyD – University of Tulsa Benjamin Schwartz, PsyD – University of Illinois - Chicago Staff Psychologist Panel

Helpful Resources Promoting Mental Health and Preventing Suicide in College and University Settings: The Mental Health Needs of Todays College Student: 07_mental_health_needs.pdfhttp://depts.washington.edu/apac/roundtable/ _mental_health_needs.pdf JED foundation: How to Assess a Colleges Mental Health offerings: National Alliance on Mental Health: Action steps before applying to college: Ulifeline:

Questions?