Understanding mental health service provision at community colleges: Findings from a statewide landscape analysis

Objective Evaluate the availability and accessibility of mental health care at Michigan’s community colleges (CCs).Participants Michigan’s 31 CCs.Methods We employed quantitative data collection supplemented with qualitative validation: first conducting an analysis of CC websites, followed by interviews with CC providers and decision-makers to validate and contextualize findings. The integrated data were examined using univariate analyses to capture heterogeneity of models of mental health provision at CCs.Results Of 31 CCs, all were analyzed and 23 completed confirmation interviews. N = 5 CCs (16%) had no mental health providers; N = 16 CCs (52%) had mental health providers with additional roles beyond counseling (i.e., academic advisors). Referrals, teletherapy, and behavioral intervention teams were also common mental health supports. Most CC websites (N = 23; 74%) had navigability and/or content challenges for accessing mental health service information.Conclusions In the face of resource constraints, CCs are pursuing numerous approaches to the provision, promotion, and structuring of mental health services.