Clinical Psych in Higher Education: Caring for the Whole Student

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Cura Personalis. Latin for “care for the whole person,” this term embodies an educational philosophy that seeks to develop every unique aspect of a student’s life, both in and out of the classroom. At the heart of this philosophy lies the idea that education requires more than academic intellect and knowledge; true education cultivates the intellectual, spiritual, physical and emotional development of students.

Many college educators have begun nurturing deeper and more meaningful relationships with their students in an effort to help the student develop holistically. One of the key skills educators and counselors use in this style of education is behavior observation. Obtaining a degree from a clinical psychology program provides an ideal foundation for educators to successfully practice holistic college student development.

Clinical Psychology Degrees

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, a degree in psychology prepares graduates for a professional path in higher education and provides the essential skills of communication, observation and problem-solving. Educators with a background in clinical psychology are distinctively trained to work with college students and give individualized support that promotes academic success and personal growth.

Higher education professionals can seek out degrees online, including specialized programs that offer a hybrid of psychological and educational training. Prepared with an understanding of how to support students both as scholars and as human beings, professionals in education with a degree in psychology can provide the best of both worlds.

Psychologists generally observe patient behavior, analyze existing life patterns and give specific feedback to improve mental and emotional health. DegreeDirectory.org notes that a degree in behavioral psychology lends itself to educational counseling, which seeks to help students overcome mental and emotional obstacles in their lives. Whether advising students on building an academic schedule or counseling them through a difficult life transition, the opportunities for higher education professionals to utilize psychological training are abundant.

Understanding the psychological needs of students is not only crucial for education professionals on campus, but also for those recruiting applicants. The 2012 State of College Admission, created by the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC), indicates that college and university admissions departments are placing a higher emphasis on students’ overall background and demonstrated interest in attending. Admissions counselors must work to gain deeper perspective into the lives of each applicant in order to ensure the student is a good fit for the school and vice versa.

College Admissions

The role of college admissions professionals does not end when the online job application is submitted. In addition to working with potential students to determine if their school is the right place for them, admissions offices also act as a liaison between the student and the institution, ensuring a successful start to college life. According to the 2012 NACAC Statement of Principles of Good Practice, university admissions professionals are responsible for the recruitment of students as well as their successful transition to post-secondary education. From determining the best school based on academic interests to locating the appropriate support services for emotional and personal success, higher education recruiters use counseling skills to get students in the door and make sure they thrive after they are on campus.

Building an academically strong and developmentally well-rounded incoming class that can successfully transition is vital for any institution of higher education. An inability to do so could negatively impact student retention rates and ultimately lead to lower tuition revenues. As a result, highly knowledgeable and competent admissions professionals are valuable assets for any college or university. Obtaining skills and expertise from a clinical psychology program provides a professional foundation for successful admission and recruitment practice in higher education.

Understanding Student's Mental Health Needs

In addition to using observation and communication skills to connect with students, there is an increasing need for higher education professionals to understand student mental health issues. According to the Suicide Prevention Resource Center, one out of five college students experiences mental illness, and more students are arriving on campus having already received mental health services at some point in the past. Additionally, the center reported that more students are seeking counseling and mental health support services during their college careers than ever before, too. If those resources are not available, the overall student success rate and the campus climate can be negatively impacted. As a result, colleges and universities are seeking to employ professionals with a solid awareness of these issues and how to best support the students facing them.

Clinical psychology programs provide direct training in identifying mental health issues and supporting their care. Given that higher education professionals are often the first responders to students experiencing mental illness, a background in psychological theory and practice can help these educators support their students and their campuses. Consider the mental health issues faced by institutions who experience violence or tragedy, such as Virginia Tech and Northern Illinois University. The Jed Foundation, a leading organization in mental health awareness and suicide prevention on college campuses, indicated that the pathway to preventing future mental illness-related tragedy is through promoting a culture of caring, in which an educated community can notice and respond to a student exhibiting symptoms. Higher education professionals with a background in psychology have the potential to be catalysts in the creation of these cultures of care.