Multidisciplinary Treatment Planning: An Educational and Administrative Tool for Resource Management in a University Counseling Center

Psychological Counseling among University Students Worldwide: A Systematic Review

University counseling services (UCSs) are actively involved in mental health assessment and in supplying interventions aimed at preventing, facing and possibly overcoming psychological problems. However, we do not have a global overview of psychological counseling among universities. This systematic review aims at reviewing the literature on university psychological counseling, including articles documenting: (1) mental health and attitudes regarding help-seeking behaviors and UCSs among university students or counselors, (2) the description of protocols/services among UCSs, (3) the efficacy of psychological counseling/interventions among university students (both face-to-face and internet-delivered interventions). The study followed PRISMA guidelines and was registered on PROSPERO. After defining inclusion and exclusion criteria, a literature search was conducted, identifying 7085 records. Finally, 152 articles met the review eligibility criteria and were included in the qualitative synthesis. Results are divided into seven thematic topics that emerged during the analysis of the literature. The results mainly showed that face-to-face and web-based counseling/psychological interventions improve university students' mental health. Cross-sectional studies showed that many biases exist toward help-seeking behaviors, especially among international students. Both students and counselors must strive to overcome cultural barriers. Available resources for UCSs are scarce and need to be strengthened, as well as efficacy studies through randomized clinical trials.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Borderline Personality Disorder in the College Mental Health Setting

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The impact of borderline personality disorder (BPD) on college students is not well studied, and there is currently little data about its phenomenology or treatment in this population. We review the available literature regarding evidence-based treatment for BPD on college campuses, as well as best-practice guidelines for the treatment of mental illness in the college setting. Diagnostic disclosure and psychoeducation are proposed as practical first steps in improving the treatment landscape.

RECENT FINDINGS

Preliminary studies of targeted treatment for BPD on college campuses are promising. They suggest that even pared-down interventions have the potential to help students feel better and function better. Experts in college mental health treatment emphasize the importance of gathering data, intervening early, communicating across treatment environments, appropriately marshaling resources, and providing psycho-education. To bring the on-campus treatment of BPD in line with best-practice guidelines, improved diagnostic practices are needed. Disclosing the diagnosis of BPD and educating students about this disorder are simple yet powerful interventions that can set the stage for further treatment and provide symptom relief.