1. “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

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

3. 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

5. 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.

6. 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?

7. 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

8. 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.

9. 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.

10. 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.

11. 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:

12. 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

13. 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

14. 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

15. 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

16. 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!

17. 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?

18. MH Referral Students Persistence Retention Rates
2008/ students
41% retained following semester
2009/ students
43% retained following semester

19. 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

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