The Stigma of Seeking Mental Health Care for Community College Students
More college students are living with mental health disorders but aren’t getting the professional help they need. While there are many reasons for this, the stigma of mental health problems is among the top barriers to help-seeking, according to research.
General’s Report on Mental Health and the President’s New Freedom Commission on Mental Health.
The perceived stigma attached to having a mental illness is not the only stigma inhibiting the decision to seek therapy. There’s also a felt public stigma associated with seeking professional services, separate from the public stigma associated with mental illness. With this stigma, seeking professional psychological help has made some feel embarrassed or ashamed.
Plus, the stigma for specific student populations, like Latinx, Black and African American, Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI), and international and first-generation students will need to be addressed in a culturally competent manner. A telehealth or virtual care platform can play a vital role in how higher education supports the mental health of young adults.
Virtual health care reduces access barriers for students who may not otherwise seek care. Offering virtual support options helps meet students where they are, providing care when and where they need it. Assessing your campus health resources is an excellent place to start removing barriers to care for students. You can take TimelyMD’s Campus Health Assessment, here >
