Back to College: A Guide to Student Mental Health

College students grab a lot of attention when it comes to mental health issues, but how do we
meet them where they are at? This session will begin with a brief overview of how two main
theorists describe the psychological tasks of traditional-aged college students (ages 18-25).
We will examine how this age group views their mental health, according to national surveys.
We will examine three complex case examples, and use Bloom’s Taxonomy to evaluate the
counseling issues, analyze the appropriate treatment, and demonstrate some appropriate
treatment applications. We will integrate information about how six main topics of concern
which impact student mental health (physical self-care, identity, coping with thoughts and
emotions, relationships, and time management) can be used to help students. Time will be
allowed for discussion and questions.

Participants will be able to:
1. Explain Erik Erikson's theory of the main task of early adulthood and James Marcia’s
identity development theory.
2. Describe recent statistics on college age mental health (ACHA-NCHA and The
Healthy Minds Study).
3. Identify and analyze the diversity of counseling strategies that can help young people
grow and develop.
4. Evaluate pros and cons of various courses of action including multi-level (institution,
client, and service provider) ethical considerations, perspectives of both the client
and the service provider, and both immediate and long-term impact.