College Mental Health

College campuses across the country have seen a sharp rise in demand for mental health services since the pandemic, reflecting a more tumultuous society and culture but also mirroring a greater openness to discuss and seek treatment for mental health issues. Unfortunately, many campus mental health clinics have struggled to meet the demand, reducing access, and creating wait times for services.

The complexity of presenting concerns requires mental health providers to be equipped with contemporary, evidence-based, and holistic approaches. Additionally, institutions face increasing responsibility for mitigating risk and supporting student well-being while navigating ethical and legal obligations. Clinicians treating college-aged youth in any clinical setting need to stay abreast of the latest research and best practices for this important population.

This new series will provide a review and update of several mental health issues that are commonly present in the college setting, such as substance use, anxiety, high-risk situations, perfectionism, and neurodiversity, and provide strategies to effectively address them. By discussing current trends, clinical complexities and emerging student needs, the course will enhance providers' confidence and skills in supporting diverse student populations and fostering healthier campus communities. Participants will leave equipped with tools to recognize, assess, and treat students' mental health needs for better long-term outcomes and success in the academic setting.

We welcome any mental health or primary care clinician to join us, whether based on campus or not, to effectively address the mental health needs of college students.

Learning Objectives

• Identify and assess college students who are struggling with common mental health issues.
• Apply current, evidence-based approaches for treating anxiety and substance use in the college setting.
• Integrate neurodiversity-informed practices into clinical and academic support services.
• Identify and intervene in cases of maladaptive perfectionism and high-functioning distress.
• Navigate risk management scenarios with an understanding of clinical, ethical, and institutional frameworks.
• Promote campus-wide mental health strategies that address systemic pressures and foster resilience and inclusion.

ABMS/ACGME Competencies

This course is designed to meet the following American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) / Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Educational (ACGME) competencies:

• Patient Care and Procedural Skills
• Medical Knowledge
• Interpersonal and Communication Skills

IOM Competencies

This course is designed to meet the following Institute of Medicine Core Competencies:

• Provide Patient-Centered Care
• Employ Evidence-Based Practice

Questions?

Please contact the Continuing Education Programs with any questions by email at ceprograms@hms.harvard.edu.

Harvard Medical School Continuing Education attracts the best and brightest faculty from all around the world. As a student in this course, you’ll have access to outstanding course directors and faculty.

Tara Cousineau, PhD

Clinical Psychologist, Harvard University Health Services
Author
Teaching Associate in Psychiatry, Part-time, Harvard Medical School

Victor Hong, MD

Clinical Associate Professor and Associate Director of Adult Psychiatry Hospital Services, Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan 

Lynn Lyons, LICSW

Psychotherapist and Author

Meera Menon, MD

Psychiatrist and Assistant Clinical Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center 

Wally Pansing, PhD

Associate Director of Academic Advising and Assistant Dean for Advising, University of Pennsylvania College of Arts & Sciences

Sharon Saline, PsyD

Clinical Psychologist in Private Practice
Author

Course Directors

Christopher Willard, PsyD

Course Director
Psychologist and Educational Consultant
Teaching Associate in Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School

Priya Sehgal, MD

Course Director
Attending Psychiatrist, Revere Outpatient Child Psychiatry Department, Asian Mental Health Team, Cambridge Health Alliance
Instructor in Psychiatry, Part-time, Harvard Medical School

Karen Kuc, MPH

Course Director
Director, Continuing Education in Psychiatry, Cambridge Health Alliance​​​
Associate in Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School

Accreditation

In support of improving patient care, Harvard Medical School is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.

Physicians

Badge for Jointly Accredited Provider with Commendation Interprofessional Continuing Education
The Harvard Medical School designates this live activity for a maximum of 7.50 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

Social Workers

This program has been approved for a total of 7.50 Social Work Continuing Education hours for re-licensure, in accordance with 258 CMR. NASW-MA Chapter CE Approval Program Authorization Number D 10289-2. NY Social Workers: Cambridge Health Alliance, Division of Continuing Education in Psychiatry is recognized by the New York State Education Department's State Board for Social Work as an Approved Provider #0038 of continuing education for licensed social workers. This course offers 7.50 contact hours.

*Please note: This course has been approved for a set amount of credits and CHA is not able to issue CE certificates for partial credit. In addition, this course has been approved as a live virtual series and we cannot issue certificates for only watching the recordings; participants must be present for all of the live sessions. For any questions regarding CE credit, please email cme@challiance.org.

Psychologists

Cambridge Health Alliance, Division of Continuing Education in Psychiatry is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. Cambridge Health Alliance, Division of Continuing Education in Psychiatry maintains responsibility for this program and its content. This course offers 7.50 continuing education credits.

*Please note: This course has been approved for a set amount of credits and CHA is not able to issue CE certificates for partial credit. In addition, this course has been approved as a live virtual series and we cannot issue certificates for only watching the recordings; participants must be present for all of the live sessions. For any questions regarding CE credit, please email cme@challiance.org.

Counselors

Cambridge Health Alliance is an Affiliate of Harvard Medical School. Cambridge Health Alliance, Division of Continuing Education in Psychiatry has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 5444.  Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. Cambridge Health Alliance, Division of Continuing Education in Psychiatry is solely responsible for all aspects of the program. This course meets the requirements for 7.5 continuing education hours, and is also applicable for Commonwealth of Massachusetts Counseling/Allied Mental Health accreditation for 7.5 credits.

*Please note: This course has been approved for a set amount of credits and CHA is not able to issue CE certificates for partial credit. In addition, this course has been approved as a live virtual series and we cannot issue certificates for only watching the recordings; participants must be present for all of the live sessions. For any questions regarding CE credit, please email cme@challiance.org.

Family Therapists

This activity has been certified by NEAFAST on behalf of the Massachusetts Board of Registration of Allied Mental Health & Human Services Professions for LMFT Professional Continuing Education. Certification #213046614, for 7.5 contact hours. The States of CT and RI accept NBCC and NASW approval for marriage and family therapy. The States of CT and RI accept NBCC and NASW approval for marriage and family therapy. 

*Please note: This course has been approved for a set amount of credits and CHA is not able to issue CE certificates for partial credit. In addition, this course has been approved as a live virtual series and we cannot issue certificates for only watching the recordings; participants must be present for all of the live sessions. For any questions regarding CE credit, please email cme@challiance.org.

Nurse Practitioners and Registered Nurses

For the purpose of recertification, the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Board and American Nurses Credentialing Center accept AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™ issued by organizations accredited by the ACCME (Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education). We would also suggest that learners check with their state licensing board to ensure they accept reciprocity with AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™ for re-licensure.

Physician Assistants

The National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA) states that AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™ are acceptable for continuing medical education requirements for recertification. We would also suggest that learners check with their state licensing board to ensure they accept reciprocity with AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™ for re-licensure.

European Accreditation

The American Medical Association (AMA) has an agreement of mutual recognition of continuing medical education (CME) credit with the European Union of Medical Specialties (UEMS). Additional information regarding this agreement may be found on the European Union of Medical Specialties website.

Canadian Accreditation

The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada recognizes conferences and workshops held outside of Canada that are developed by a university, academy, hospital, specialty society or college as accredited group learning activities.