Addressing the Increasing Demand for Student Services Susan Mangold Kutztown University Karla Fonner Slippery Rock University

About the presenters Both presenters work at public, state institutions that are part of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE). Both institutions are rural and enroll approximately 8,500 students. Susan Mangold works as the Student Assistant Coordinator in the Dean of Students office at Kutztown University. Karla Fonner works as the Director of Student Support in the Office of the Associate Provost for Student Success at Slippery Rock University. NOTE: Content in this presentation includes information gained from a presentation for Kutztown University by the Educational Advisory Board (EAB), a national research company supporting higher education. Their research is conducted nationally with public and private institutions of varying sizes. Brown, L. (December, 2017). Managing the Escalating Demand for Mental Health Services. Presented at Kutztown University, Kutztown, PA.

Recent Trends Educational Advisory Board (EAB)1 Kutztown University 5.6% change in enrollment vs to 29.6% change in counseling center usage Counseling center utilization outpaced enrollment growth by 5 times Kutztown University Counseling center has a wait list by the end of the first full month of school Increased referrals to off-campus providers Increased psych hospitalizations: 35 in 2016-17 58 in 2017-18 Slippery Rock University Counseling Center Staff Shortage – what to do with the rest? 1270 Care Referrals to Student Support (12% of our population); 513 more than last year Increases in other reports that are connected to MH (Financial, Title IX, Family Emergency, etc) 1Brown, L. (December, 2017). Managing the Escalating Demand for Mental Health Services. Presented at Kutztown University, Kutztown, PA.

Why the increased demand? Increased awareness School shootings have led to more open conversations about mental health Formal response structure Mental Health trainings Behavioral Intervention Teams Reduced stigma Campus/social media campaigns: students feel more comfortable to seek help.

What students bring to college College counseling centers used to see mostly Depression/anxiety Developmental concerns Relationship issues Adjustment concerns Increases in past 10-15 years of complex psychological concerns: Bipolar disorder/severe depression Eating disorders Poly-substance abuse/addictions Schizophrenia Spectrum disorder

Newer challenges Comfort animals requests Transportation to/from appointments Students transitioning from foster care/residential facilities Students with significant psychological/medication histories Students with shelter/food insecurity and severe financial need Balancing enrollment/retention concerns with what’s best for students

Societal Impacts Changes in insurance Political climate Changes in family structure/ parenting styles Social media influence Political climate

How to manage? EAB2 concludes from their research that increased staffing is not the answer. Universities must: Re-think what and how counseling services are provided Prioritize quick access for all students This starts with: Clearly defining the scope of care provided by the university/counseling center Differentiating between High-need students Students with short-term needs Low-risk students 2 Brown, L. (December, 2017). Managing the Escalating Demand for Mental Health Services. Presented at Kutztown University, Kutztown, PA.

Students with Short-Term Needs High-Need Students Refer to off-campus services Partner with community clinical resources Develop protocol for follow-up Students with Short-Term Needs Restructure individual appointments Explore dynamic staffing models More effective use of group therapy Low-Risk Students Utilize self-service resources Foster non-clinical connections Partner with resources on- and off-campus EAB3 Recommends 3 Brown, L. (December, 2017). Managing the Escalating Demand for Mental Health Services. Presented at Kutztown University, Kutztown, PA.

Strategies at Kutztown University Up Front Developing a letter to go to new students/parents re: scope of services Conversation at orientation regarding scope of services Encourage parents to develop a plan for ongoing care in the community In the Counseling Center Consideration/use of more therapy groups Reserving hours for crisis Working to develop a more effective protocol for referrals Working to establish a case management position

More Strategies at KU Outside the Counseling Center Established a MindKare kiosk: provides self-screening of mental health issues, downloadable information and resources to help Developed BearKit within the KU mobile app that provides information and resources for a variety of concerns Established a part-time Health Coach position in Health Services that meets with students to find and schedule off-campus referrals that accept the students’ insurance Partnered with Haven Behavioral Hospital to present “Chat Café,” a series of open workshops dealing with resiliency, healthy relationships, and mental health awareness

Strategies at Slippery Rock University Going Mobile Just In Case Emotional Wellness Peer Coaching Adjustment of Procedures: QPR; Hospitalization; Medical Withdrawal and Readmission;

Avoiding Split Treatment Issues -Treatment Team Approach Residence Life; Health Service; Counseling Center; Behavioral Intervention Team; Success Coaches; Disability Services; Outside Services Informed Consent Statement Transparency with the student Training, Training and More Training Residence Life Curriculum New Faculty and Staff Orientation MySru (portal) video series

Discussion/Questions