White Paper: A Multidimensional Understanding of Effective University and College Counseling Center Organizational Structures. Issue 2 (3rd April 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Mitchell, Sharon L.; Oakley, Danielle R.; Dunkle, John H.
• Is Part Of: Journal of college student psychotherapy. Volume 33:Issue 2(2019)
• Page Start: 89
• Page End: 106
• Publication Date: 2019-04-03
• Subjects: Organizational structure -- service delivery models -- integrated care -- college students -- collaborative care; College students -- Mental health services -- Periodicals; Psychotherapy -- Periodicals; 616.8914005
• DOI: 10.1080/87568225.2019.1578941
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 8756-8225

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Established in 1950, the Association for University and College Counseling Center Directors (AUCCCD) is an international organization comprising universities and colleges (https://www.aucccd.org). AUCCCD members are the higher education leaders for student mental health. Our members represent a wide range of professional disciplines, public and private institutions, and a range of institutional student enrollment sizes. This white paper: (a) provides a historical background on counseling and mental health services on college campuses; (b) argues that, based on current research, there is no single organizational structure that is optimal; (c) makes recommendations about factors to consider when making decisions about the counseling center that are based on specific campus needs and resources rather than a preferred organizational structure; and (d) advocates for a collaborative care model regardless of organizational structure.