Intake Concerns of Racial and Ethnic Minority Students at a University Counseling Center: Implications for Developmental Programming and Outreach

Abstract

The presenting concerns of racial and ethnic minority students at a university counseling center were examined. Results revealed that family and romantic relationship issues, academic concerns, and depression were among their primary concerns. Implications for developing outreach programs to address the mental health needs of similar college students are discussed.

Length of Residence, Cultural Adjustment Difficulties, and Psychological Distress Symptoms in Asian and Latin American International College Students

“…These international college students often rely heavily on informal social support resources (e.g., family members and friends) instead of using more formal mechanisms (e.g., counseling centers) to address their mental health concerns (e.g., Hayes & Lin, 1994). Moreover, even though some Asian and Latin American students attending college in the U.S. may experience severe mental health concerns, they may not use college or university counseling centers because of cultural and language differences with counselors (Pope & Vasquez, 1991), stigmas about counseling (Constantine et al, 1997), cultural mistrust attitudes toward White counselors (Casas, Ponterotto, & Guitierrez, 1986), and cultural values affirming the use of indigenous coping strategies to address their problems (Sue & Sue, 2003).…”

Mentoring African American Men During Their Postsecondary and Graduate School Experiences: Implications for the Counseling Profession

“…Furthermore, these college students are apt to experience interpersonal, transitional, cultural, and psychological issues. For example, African American male college students are challenged with many factors (e.g., straddling two cultures, struggles with depression, difficulties with romantic partners, stress, anxiety, social and family acceptance) that may lead to underperformance (Constantine, Chen, & Ceesay; 1997; Cureton, 2003; Lett & Wright, 2003). Consequently, African American men are said to be the most at‐risk college students in this country (Griffin, Jayakumar, Jones, & Allen, 2010).…”

Depressive Symptoms and Attitudes Toward Counseling as Predictors of Biracial College Women's Psychological Help-Seeking Behavior

“…In particular, unfavorable attitudes about counseling have been associated with both avoidance of psychological services (Leaf & Bruce, 1987) and unwillingness to seek psychological help (Deane & Chamberlain, 1994;Deane & Todd, 1996). The stigma that is frequently associated with psychological help-seeking behavior among some individuals, especially college students of color, may largely determine the types of attitudes they have about the counseling process and counselors (Constantine, Chen, & Ceesay, 1997;Knipscheer & Kleber, 2001;Narikiyo & Kameoka, 1992). For example, White Americans have been reported to be more willing to seek professional mental health treatment than people of color (Atkinson & Gim, 1989;Price & McNeill, 1992).…”