SCC announces new mental health resources for students

Published: 02/26/2020

Nearly one in three college freshmen struggles with mental health issues. Among the typical “college-age” students–those 18-24 years old–at least half of all health issues relate to mental health issues, including many students experiencing “overwhelming anxiety.”

Unfortunately, only a minority of these students actually seek help.

Untreated, mental health issues can negatively affect students via “academic success, productivity, substance abuse, and relationships.”

Colleges have a unique opportunity to assist students in recognizing and intervening in mental health issues, and St. Charles Community College recognizes its role in mental health support.

“For many students, SCC might be the only mental health resource they have access to,” said Heather McDorman, vice president for Marketing & Student Life. “We decided to improve our offerings to better accommodate our students and their needs.” 

SCC is implementing several mental health initiatives on campus. In February, SCC welcomed a full-time case manager and part-time professional counselor to campus.

“We are excited to partner with St. Louis Counseling to deliver more mental health resources to our students,” said Boyd Copeland, executive dean of Student Life. “We are also looking at using a mobile app to give students easier access to mental health services right on their phone.”

Additionally, SCC will continue to offer a community resource fair to students each semester, as well as programs and initiatives aimed in supporting student’s mental wellbeing.

While mental health assistance has existed at SCC in the past, the new offerings and updates bring a more robust, modern approach to the issue.

“Students will be able to have easier access to a wider variety of mental health solutions,” said Copeland. “I am confident that these changes will make a big difference in many SCC student’s lives.”

SCC plans to implement the enhancements during the summer semester, however Copeland is hopeful some of these initiatives may begin earlier.

“I am pleased we are able to dedicate additional resources needed to increase the level of mental health services to our students,” said SCC President, Barbara Kavalier, Ph.D. “We strive to continuously meet the needs of our students in any way we can.”

For more information, contact Jay Scherder at 636-922-8080 or jay_schereder@stchas.edu.

St. Charles Community College is a public, comprehensive two-year community college with associate degrees and certificate programs in the arts, business, sciences and career-technical fields. SCC provides workforce training and community-based personal and professional development as well as cultural, recreational and entertainment opportunities. For more information, visit www.stchas.edu.