In an effort to meet the growing demand for student mental health services, two new psychologists and a psychiatrist will be added next year to Hudson Health Center.
As the number of student visits to Counseling and Psychological Services for mental care has steadily increased in recent years, a bigger strain has been put on Hudson's eight full-time counselors, said Vice President for Student Affairs Kent Smith.
The wait time for a student's first intake appointment, when counselors begin evaluating the patient's concerns, is now about one to two weeks, Smith said. That gap was about two to four weeks last year.
For some
one two three
four weeks might not seem like a lot
but with 10-week quarters it makes it very critical for students to get the help they need
Smith said.
Students who are not treated in a timely manner may not only be a threat to themselves and others, but would face larger hurdles in their academics and retention, he said.
About 93 percent of the 2,105 Ohio University students who tested positive for significant mental health problems with Counseling and Psychological Services' online evaluation last year are currently not receiving treatment.
Despite most colleges treating 9 percent of their students for psychological problems - Director Jeanne Heaton said a total Counseling and Psychological Services is still not enough - OU reaches only 6 percent. Unlike schools in more populated areas, there are few other resources available for OU students who need help, Heaton added.
The hires would get us very close to where we need to be. The problem is
every year the demand for services goes up
Heaton said. Three full-time counselors were added in the past four years, she said.
Last year, the office saw 1,257 patients for 8,409 appointments. The totals have continued growing in recent years, with 5,929 visits in 2004-05, 6,387 the next year and 7,570 in 2006-07.
During this past Fall Quarter, counselors saw 677 clients. Of those, 267 were seen during emergency walk-in hours and 19 students were seen during weekends and evenings.
More and more of today's college students are coming to school with counseling experience
Smith said. It's the national trend; I don't think we're any different.
Many universities are seeing a huge increase in demand for mental health services, Heaton said. About 20 percent of college students meet criteria for a mental health diagnosis, studies show.
If the wait time is cut to zero
we can do more outreach. Right now
it's just students coming to us
