The Role of Faculty inResponding to Students inMental Health Needs

David Spano, PhDAssociate Vice Chancellor and Director

Center for Counseling and Psychological Services

Agenda

• Mental health and academic success• Student mental health snapshot• How can you help?• Gatekeeper training• CAPS overview

Well-being of UNC Charlotte students

• Is a shared responsibility• Contributes to student success andretention

• Helps make the campus safe and facilitatesfree intellectual inquiry

Mental Health and Academic Success

• Retention advantage for students incounseling

• Depression associated with academicwithdrawal

• Mental health facilitates campus engagementand relationships, both associated with highergraduation rates

Mental Health Snapshot

Within the last 12 months:• 85%felt overwhelmed by all they had to do• 37%felt so depressed it wasdifficult to function• 62%felt overwhelminganxiety• 7%seriously considered suicide (1,984 students*)• 1.5%attempted (407 students*)

Source: UNCCharlotte Spring2017 responsesto NCHA(n =331)

Factors affecting academic performance*• Stress 29%• Sleep difficulties 21%• Anxiety 27%• Depression 15%• Concern for friendsor family 10%

* (incomplete, dropped course, poor grade)Source: UNCCharlotte Spring2017 responsesto NCHA(n = 331)

UNC Charlotte Student MentalHealth

Mental Health Snapshot

• Over 1,350 college students nationwidecomplete suicide each year (Silverman, 2008).• 3rd leadingcause of death for studentsages15-29.

• ~80%of students that complete aren’t seenby acounselor.

• Faculty/Staff are in an ideal position (“gatekeepers”) tonotice signs of student distress.

• Being prepared to notice and refer is crucial.

• Your time is valuable. A brief gatekeeper training canmake a big difference.

UNC Charlotte Student MentalHealth

1. Assume the role of a facultymember who isconcerned about students, someof whom need to be referred to Counselingand Psychological Services(CAPS).

2. Analyze profilesof the virtual students.

3. Engage in simulated conversationswith the onesyou suspect are at-risk and, ifnecessary, refer them to CAPS.

4. Learn about CAPS.

Kognito At Risk Gatekeeper Training

© 2012 Kognito Interactive. All Rights Reserved.

•Online, 24/7 accessibility• 45minutes to complete

Includes3 conversationswith students:- Gwen hasgood gradesbut isoverly worried about her performanceandanxiousabout exams/presentations.

- Jared’sbehavior hasbecome increasingly erratic over thesemester- Alberto’sgradesand attendancearegetting worse.

At-Risk for University andCollegeFaculty & Staff

• Listed in SPRC/AFSPBestPracticesRegistry

• Co-created with mental healthexpertsand educators

Trailer

© 2012 Kognito Interactive. All Rights Reserved.

http://vimeo.com/35019671

Evidence of Effectiveness:Pre-, Post-, Follow-Up Surveys

Studies show:1) Statistically significant increases in mentalhealth skills that remain at 3-month follow-up

2) Statistically significant increases in the numberof students that educators approach and, ifnecessary, refer

Accessing the Simulations

URL: https://kognitocampus.com

CreateYour Account

Also, access “Tips& Resources” to help promoteandimplement programswithin schools

Account Creation

• First / Last Name• E-mail Address• Password• Enrollment Key: uncc89

Select and Launch the Training1. All simulationsavailable to youareshown. Selecttheoneyou willtake.

2. Detailsabout theselected simulation

3. Onceselected,launch yoursimulation

For more information:Dr. Jessalyn Klein

Psychologist/Suicide Prevention Coordinator704-687-0311

• Completefollow-up survey

CAPS mission

TheCenter for Counselingand Psychological Services(CAPS) at UNCCharlotte supports the holisticwell-beingand academic successof studentsand contributes to ahealthy and inclusive campusclimate. This isaccomplished by providing:

– short-term individual and group counseling– crisismanagement– consultation to concerned third parties(parents, faculty, staff)– referral services– educational and preventive initiatives for the campuscommunity

Groupsfor Fall 2018• Understandingself and others• Social confidence• Theempowered Blackwoman• True selves: Gender and sexuality spectrum group• Multicultural women empowerment group• Veteransgroup

Workshops• Resilience toolbox for anxiety• Gettingunstuck from depression• Stresssurvival skills• Buildingbetter relationships• CALM (Copingwith anxiety and livingmindfully)• You’ve got this!

CAPS services

• Consult with CAPS staff by phone(704-687-0311) or in person as needed.

• Counselor is on-call each business dayfrom 8-5.

• For after hours emergency, call CampusPolice (704-687-2200) or CAPS(after-hours Protocall).

Consultation

Concerned about a student?

© 2012 Kognito Interactive. All Rights Reserved.

https://caps.uncc.edu

Counseling and Psychological Center

Location:Price Center(next to StudentHealth Center)

Phone:(704) 687-0311

Website:caps.uncc.edu