Mental Health Improvement through Community Colleges

Improving access to evidence-based mental health care for individuals attending community colleges across Michigan

Mental Health Improvement through Community Colleges

Improving access to evidence-based mental health care for individuals attending community colleges across Michigan

OUR MISSION

Assess Needs and Identify Evidence-based Solutions

We partner with community college providers, decision-makers, and students to assess current gaps in mental health access for students and help colleges identify evidence-based interventions and strategies to bridge these gaps.

Student Needs and Access

Student Needs and Access

Nearly half of community college students report clinically significant symptoms of a mental health disorder but a majority struggle to connect with mental health services. Treatment gaps are largest for minoritized and low-income students.

Mental Health Workforce Challenges

Mental Health Workforce Challenges

Access to community-based mental health counseling in Michigan is limited by a statewide shortage of mental health providers. This shortage is most acute for those residents with public insurance or no insurance.

Community College Capacity

Community College Capacity

Relative to four-year institutions, community colleges often lack dedicated mental health providers, programming, and capacity for expanding mental health services. Many community college mental health counselors perform multiple, key roles (e.g., academic advising) and many colleges lack funds to shore up personnel.

Innovative, Cost-effective Solutions

Innovative, Cost-effective Solutions

With growing mental health needs, Michigan community colleges need innovative, cost-effective solutions for improving student mental health access that are effective, appropriate for their context, and not overly burdensome.

WHY COMMUNITY COLLEGES

Community Colleges Make Education Accessible…

Community colleges have lower costs, more flexible classes, and are often closer to home than 4-year colleges and universities. They are key drivers of social mobility and serve diverse student populations. 62% of full-time community college students are employed, and 29% are first-generation college students.

…But Not Necessarily Mental Health

Nearly half of community college students report symptoms of a mental health disorder, and the majority of these disorders go untreated. Unaddressed mental health concerns contribute to poorer academic outcomes and also impact student retention, future earnings, and long term health outcomes. Our mission is to work with community colleges to determine how to most effectively support the mental health needs of community college students.

THANK YOU TO OUR FUNDERS

Supporting Our Mission to Make a Difference

The MHICC initiative is supported by funds from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services through the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, the Michigan Health Endowment Fund, IMPACT Center at the University of Washington, the Blue Cross Blue Shield Foundation of Michigan, and the John G. Searle Professorship at the University of Michigan School of Public Health.