Whereas:
RATIONALE
A mental health crisis exists at U.S. universities, and it is worsening. Campuses and their counseling centers are seeing increased, unmet demand from students (American Council on Education, 2019). Reflecting national trends, SF State’s Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) has seen an increase of students seeking counseling to address urgent mental health needs. SF State’s students face a wide range of stressors – among the many challenges are pervasive housing and food insecurities, financial hardships, competing demands between family, work and academics, interpersonal conflicts, discrimination, alcohol and other drug (AOD) issues, and the effects of sexual violence.
Recognizing the need for stronger infrastructure, in 2017, the SF State Academic Senate passed resolution RS17-363 “In Support of and Commitment to Counseling and Psychological Services to provide Quality Mental Health Services to SF State Students.” Since that time, this situation has only been made more urgent by the COVID-19 public health crisis, and has left students feeling overwhelmed, increasingly anxious, depressed, and at risk of suicide.
To better address SF State students’ mental health needs and to ensure ethical practice in the delivery of quality services, we must strive not only to meet, but also to exceed relevant professional mental health service standards. To accomplish this, it is important to recognize the equity issue with respect to counselor-per-student ratios, and the need for strengthening CAPS’ infrastructure by committing to employ more counselors (Counselor Faculty), including tenure-track positions.