The Adequacy of Mental Health Services in Higher Education - Essay Example

Historically researchers substantiated a significant relationship between campus-based mental health services and student’s needs (Stone & Archer, 1999; Kitzrow, 2003; Benton, Robertson, Tseng, Newton, & Benton, 2003-2006; Pennsylvania State University, 2006-2007; Friske, 2007; Anxiety Disorders Association of America, 2007; Trip, 2010; Atkins, Hunt, Eisenburg, 2011; Post, 2011; Sieben, 2012). Also, research data have shown that 68% of students attending higher education institutions with a history of mental disorders such as anxiety, depression, eating, feeling of panic and fear, alcohol abuse, education, and others, were found to have never received counselling for mental health issues, and when compared to other students have often encountered more difficulties adjusting to their college environment (Trip, 2010).

Similarly, researchers have also seen an increase of 77% of students with severe psychological problems in the last year, up from 71% the previous year (Seiben, 2012).Some researchers have also agreed that mental health services in higher education lack funding and staff training may have contributed to the lack of effective treatment of students' psychological needs (Watkins et al., 2011). According to the US Department of Education (2010) and the Digest of Education Statistics (2011), college enrollment is projected to be 20.

6 million by fall 2010, with an expected 14 per cent increase in the new record from fall 2010 to fall 2019. Of the 20.7 million, 40 % are projected to be females and 35 % projected to be males (NSEC, 2011). With the suggested increase in the projected attendance of students in higher education, the demand for mental health services is paramount to the growing number of students with psychological problems and seeking mental health services. Research has indicated that mentally ill students attending colleges and being aware of their illnesses should receive appropriate treatment to help modify problematic issues, promoting, and enhancing academic performance, and helping students to adjust to their new environment (Akers, 1998).