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Document Type
Oral Presentation
Department
Psychology
Faculty Mentor
Cheryl Laz, PhD
Abstract
Sociological theorists have discussed the obligation communities have to their members to provide them with care, and the consequences of denying those obligations. My findings will be framed by Berger and Luckmann’s discussions of the social reality but applied directly to the mental health services available to college students. I am interested in the medical discourse of sociologists and mental health professionals, and the effects those discussions and relevant policies have on the mental health of college students. For my research, I use data collected from qualitative interviews with students, staff, and administrators, as well as quantitative data collected through anonymous surveys of the student body. I explore, specifically, restrictive policies at the University Health and Counseling Services and the positive and/or negative effects these policies have on the student population, and the university community as a whole. Preliminary research reveals a complex list of factors that affect mental health counseling on campus; many involve resources. I will be presenting feedback from student surveys regarding knowledge of services, utilization of services, barriers, and financial needs, as well as information from interviews with mental health professionals on campus. I propose some changes to improve mental health counseling services for students and evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of the proposed changes.
Emma Chapin Presentation Transcript
E-Chapin_Transcript.txt (9 kB)
Emma Chapin Presentation Transcript (.txt file)
Open Access?
1
The Effects of Limited Access Policies on Student Access to and Utilization of Mental Health Services in a University Setting
Sociological theorists have discussed the obligation communities have to their members to provide them with care, and the consequences of denying those obligations. My findings will be framed by Berger and Luckmann’s discussions of the social reality but applied directly to the mental health services available to college students. I am interested in the medical discourse of sociologists and mental health professionals, and the effects those discussions and relevant policies have on the mental health of college students. For my research, I use data collected from qualitative interviews with students, staff, and administrators, as well as quantitative data collected through anonymous surveys of the student body. I explore, specifically, restrictive policies at the University Health and Counseling Services and the positive and/or negative effects these policies have on the student population, and the university community as a whole. Preliminary research reveals a complex list of factors that affect mental health counseling on campus; many involve resources. I will be presenting feedback from student surveys regarding knowledge of services, utilization of services, barriers, and financial needs, as well as information from interviews with mental health professionals on campus. I propose some changes to improve mental health counseling services for students and evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of the proposed changes.