Wellness Philosophy and Services: Questions to Ask
- What is the college’s philosophy and policy concerning mental health, and what programs, services and resources are in place to back it up?
- Does the school offer educational programs — such as workshops or talks — about mental health and wellness?
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Parents and their children turn to ULifeline to learn more about campus mental health resources at over 1,400 colleges and universities across the country. To learn more about your prospective schools’ mental health resources, go to http://www.ulifeline.org.
- Are there classes, credit-bearing or otherwise, on transitioning to college or developing life skills?
- How accessible are academic advisors and student affairs staff?
- Are the school’s counselors accessible? Do counselors offer drop-in hours and appointments?
- What specific mental health services and staff does the campus health center provide?
- Is there 24-hour emergency care, should a problem arise at night or over the weekend? Is there a staff psychiatrist on campus to prescribe medication?
- Under what circumstances will the college notify a parent regarding a student’s mental health? What happens when a parent contacts the college with concerns about their child?
Important
Find out which services are covered by student fees or health insurance, and whether the college or university requires students to carry its own proprietary health insurance. Examine your child’s current insurance policy to determine what types of mental health services are covered and the guidelines for reimbursed care.