College can be a stressful experience for anyone and it is important to have psychiatric services available. Recent studies have found that occurrences of mental health problems amongst students at community colleges have been rising. Help may not be available since fewer than 13 percent of community colleges provide psychiatric services for students. On the other hand, 56 percent of four-year colleges and universities offer on-campus psychiatric services. Although 68 percent of community colleges do offer some sort of personal counseling, this may not be the adequate level of support that is necessary. Many counselors on campus also have other duties, such as serving on campus committees and academic advising, and therefore they may not be able to devote enough time to students seeking mental health counseling.
In a recent survey of 294 community college counselors, researchers found that community college students are at a greater risk for depression, anxiety disorders, and other mental health problems than traditional university students. Two-year students are also more likely than four-year students to be employed or supporting a family while attending school. This can create great stress for which the student may seek therapy. Surveys revealed that 60 percent of community college counselors found that amongst the students they counseled within the last year, students in community colleges suffered with more severe problems.
Counseling is important at community colleges because many students are commuters whose problems may go unnoticed on campus. Unlike at four-year colleges and universities, at community colleges, students do not have residence-life staff who can recognize signs of student mental illness. It is imperative that students are able to find support while studying in college, even if they do not necessarily live on campus. The low availability of mental health services at community colleges is worrying.
References: Chamberlin, J. in Monitor on Psychology
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