Many students are experiencing a new level of mental burden. Universities are striving to meet the growing demand for mental health management by utilizing the services of external teletherapy companies and digital applications.
According to information from the National Library of Medicine, students are dealing with various types of anxiety disorders and suicidal thoughts. The Education Journal mentions that universities are unable to meet the mental health needs of students. As the importance of quick assistance for them grows, teletherapy companies fill these gaps.
Considering the technological advancements in mental health care, Cal Poly Pomona primarily focuses on in-person treatment and telemedicine.
“I cope with stress at Cal Poly by simply facing it,” said political science student, Cole McMillin. He emphasized that the pressure he feels related to work drives him in his academic career.
Regarding the use of any digital assistance at CPP, McMillin said, “I know there is a place where you can try to receive psychological help through a health portal. I heard about this program in my first year, in 2021. When I tried to contact them, I encountered an automated message, which made me feel less concerned and I waited in line to be ‘next’.”
Kell Fujimoto, Ph.D., the Director of the Counseling and Psychological Services Center at CPP, confirmed that CPP does not utilize the services of external firms. “The Counseling and Psychological Services Center offers its services through telemedicine,” Fujimoto said. “Individual consultations are available in-person and via telemedicine. Workshops and presentations are conducted both in-person and virtually. Initial consultations or conversations with students also take place through telemedicine.”
Fujimoto discussed the appointments that took place during the fall semester and explained that more of them were in-person rather than through telemedicine. “I believe that in-person sessions can be more comfortable for students as they are physically present on campus,” Fujimoto said. “Furthermore, I think students appreciate the personal connections they have with their therapists.”
Fujimoto noted that CPP collaborates with the Department of Student Affairs’ social media outlets to reach students. He said that the department’s platform has a greater reach among the student population and campus community.
Teletherapy companies such as Uwill, TimelyCare, and BetterMynd collaborate with many universities nationwide. TimelyCare states that it has partnered with over 200 college platforms and has collaborative relationships with Canvas, a widely known learning management system for CPP students. Uwill has partnered with the University of California, Santa Barbara, Cabrini University, and Columbus State Community College.
The California Faculty Association Union at CPP confirmed that the average number of students per counselor is currently 2,900, despite the suggested ratio of 1,000-1,500 according to international counseling service accreditation.
In an article from the National Library of Medicine regarding the mental health of college students and non-college attendees, 2,188 students were observed for 12 months for the occurrence of psychiatric disorders, personality problems, and substance abuse among college and non-college attending adults. Additionally, 11.9% of students reported experiencing some kind of mental health-related issue during their studies.
According to the National Library of Medicine, comprehensive studies conducted on 8,155 students revealed that 6.7% of them considered suicidal thoughts, 1.6% had suicidal plans, and 0.5% attempted suicide in the previous year.
For Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) individuals, the struggle with mental health issues is even more difficult. The teletherapy company BetterMynd found that BIPOC students face challenges in accessing necessary care due to harmful stigmas, stereotypes, and mental health-related discrimination. Additionally, limited healthcare access associated with costs and insurance, as well as structural limitations such as transportation, uncertain internet access, and suitable environments, also have an impact.
“Many students feel more comfortable connecting with healthcare providers who have similar experiences or identify on the basis of race, ethnicity, gender, and/or geography,” said Seli Fakorzi, Director of Mental Health at TimelyCare. “When students cannot find care providers who reflect their life experiences, beliefs, and culture, it could hinder their attainment of health balance and the necessary care and health outcomes they need.”
According to research conducted by TimelyCare, 77% of college students who sought help from TimelyCare expressed improved mental health, and 52% of them stated that they would not have taken any action if TimelyCare did not exist.
For more information on mental health services, individuals can contact the Counseling and Psychological Services Center at Cal Poly Pomona from Monday to Friday between 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM, in-person at Room 116 of the building, by phone at (909) 869-3220, or online.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Demand for Mental Health Services for Students at Cal Poly Pomona University
- Why are students experiencing mental burden?
- How are universities attempting to meet the mental health needs of students?
- What are the benefits of using teletherapy services?
- How do psychological consultations take place at Cal Poly Pomona University?
- What other initiatives does CPP undertake to reach students?
- Which teletherapy companies collaborate with universities?
- What is the student-to-counselor ratio at CPP?
- What data regarding student mental health was presented in the article?
- Why do some students find it more difficult to access mental health care related to psychological issues?
- What results has the TimelyCare program achieved among students who have utilized their services?
Key Definitions:
- Teletherapy: a form of therapy that utilizes communication and technological tools such as mobile telephony and web applications to provide remote psychological assistance.
- Digital applications: computer programs or mobile applications used for managing mental health, providing advice and therapy, monitoring mental health status, etc.
- Psychotropic medications: medications used in the treatment of mental disorders such as depression, anxiety, or schizophrenia.
- Cal Poly Pomona Counseling and Psychological Services Website: cpp.edu/health-counseling
Related Links:
- National Library of Medicine Website: nlm.nih.gov
- TimelyCare Teletherapy Company Website: timelycare.com
- Uwill Teletherapy Company Website: uwillbeheard.com
- BetterMynd Teletherapy Company Website: bettermynd.com
- University of California, Santa Barbara Website: ucsb.edu
- Cabrini University Website: cabrini.edu
- Columbus State Community College Website: cscc.edu
- California Faculty Association Union Website at Cal Poly Pomona: calfac.org/chapters/res-n/authored/center
- Cal Poly Pomona Counseling and Psychological Services Website: cpp.edu/health-counseling
If you are interested in obtaining more information about mental health services, please contact the CPP Counseling and Psychological Services Center from Monday to Friday between 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM, in-person at Room 116 of the building, by phone at (909) 869-3220, or online.