The advocacy blueprint: A Delphi study on promoting and strengthening mental health programs and services in higher education

Academic institutions’ mental health programs and services play a vital role in nurturing students’ well-being and success. Despite progress, challenges in implementation and the need for sustainable strategies highlight the importance of collaborative efforts to optimize mental health programs and create supportive academic environments. This research is important as it bridges gaps in existing knowledge and lays a foundation for both future academic inquiry and practical application. The study engaged experienced mental health advocates and professionals through a two-round Delphi process to refine strategies for improving mental health programs in academic institutions. The exploratory stage identified twenty-one essential strategies for developing sustainable and inclusive mental health programs in academic settings, emphasizing the importance of policy integration, culturally responsive interventions, peer support networks, technology utilization, capacity building, and resource advocacy. The integration stage further synthesized these into nine strategies, highlighting the need for embedding mental health into institutional policies, strengthening leadership accountability, fostering community collaboration, enhancing program accessibility, and promoting awareness through education and innovation. The findings underscore the value of evidence-based practices, professional development, and regular evaluation mechanisms to ensure adaptability, inclusivity, and long-term program sustainability, offering critical implications for practice, policy, and future research.