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In 2024, The Chronicle of Higher Education released a report discussing the importance of clarifying narratives within college mental health. The report highlighted the need to combat a crisis narrative and educate the public that most college students do not have a clinical diagnosis. Narratives surrounding college mental health can impact specific campuses, leading many counseling center directors to clarify the nature of counseling services to stakeholders such as students, parents, and administrators. This clarification typically involves explaining the scope of the counseling center’s capabilities.
A 2018 report by Inside Higher Ed indicated that few institutions charge students additional fees for counseling services, despite laws that regulate therapy/counseling assuming clients pay for services. Therefore, college mental health services must comply with consumer protection laws, even when services are offered without charge. This lack of consideration for the unique context of higher education has led to common misperceptions about college mental health, including the following examples:
Counseling Centers Can’t Guarantee Treatment for Every Student
One misconception about college mental health is that counseling centers should be able to treat every student on campus. While it is an admirable goal to provide support to all students, claiming to have the capacity to treat every mental health concern on campus is likely unethical and deceptive.
Just as therapists in private practice cannot guarantee treatment for every community member, counseling centers also cannot realistically provide functional treatment for every student’s needs. It is important to be truthful in advertising and set realistic expectations.
Counseling Centers Can’t Initiate Contact with Students
It is common for stakeholders to request that counseling centers reach out to specific students, such as parents concerned about their child’s well-being. However, making unsolicited outreach to individuals is likely unethical and a violation of professional boundaries.
Similar to therapists in private practice, counselors cannot promote their services to individuals without their consent. According to the 2023 Code of Ethics from the National Board for Certified Counselors, counselors must not misuse their influence to solicit personal services.
Counseling Centers Must Provide Effective Treatment
While it is important for students to have a support system, counseling centers cannot solely serve as a place for students to talk without clear therapy goals. Therapy should have specific objectives and be effective in achieving them, as highlighted in a 2025 report on SimplePractice.com about the average cost of therapy sessions in America by state.
It is essential for counseling centers to provide treatment that is appropriate and goal-oriented, rather than simply offering a listening ear. Students deserve effective and ethical mental health support that aligns with professional standards.
