As part of efforts to address the growing student mental health crisis on
college campuses, ACE hosted a briefing for congressional staff on Capitol Hill
March 6.
Sen. Chris Murphy (D-CT) opened the conversation, noting
the need for student mental health intervention. He was followed by a panel of
campus leaders to discuss the issue, what steps institutions are taking to assist
students and faculty, and how the federal government can better help. ACE’s
Hollie Chessman moderated the panel, which featured Sonya Clyburn, director of
the Counseling Center at Morgan State University; Carlota Ocampo, provost at
Trinity Washington University; and Sasha Zhou, assistant professor at Wayne
State University.
After Zhou provided an overview of the current data and
trends regarding student mental health, the panelists raised multiple ways
institutions are tackling student mental health, such as expanding campus
counseling services, increasing telehealth services,
implementing community partners, and utilizing crisis lines. The discussion
also touched on legislative proposals
being advanced by ACE to expand federal support and increase access to
telehealth and other services.
Zhou noted the importance of reaching college students
experiencing mental health symptoms for the first time as a way to “truly serve
as a catalyst for long-term success and well-being.”
Ocampo and Clyburn emphasized that a holistic approach to
student mental health provides the greatest opportunity for the most success. In
addition, trauma-centered and informed counseling and interactions are crucial
for understanding and recognizing distress in students and managing difficult
conversations.