University Community Mental Health Model The University Community Mental Health Model is one which establishes organizational structures designed to address and be responsive to the mental health needs of a diverse University student community and to support the entire University community towards this end.  This entails three distinct elements: Treatment and referral of University students with diagnosable mental health conditions Community outreach and education Community consultation Treatment and Referral Treatment entails the provision of comprehensive outpatient mental health service delivery with the prime caveat being that the University mental health system must be responsive to the needs of the entire student community.  It is therefore imperative that clinical resources be allocated in a manner that facilitates access to all students in need of mental health assistance.  Moreover, culturally competent care, as defined by awareness, knowledge and skills, takes into account the varied needs of a diverse student community.  The primary University mental health service facility strives to be responsive to all who are referred for assistance and to maintain active referral connections in relation to community mental health resources in order to facilitate appropriate referrals when requested or clinically indicated. Outreach and Education Outreach and education involves four different components: Outreach endeavors designed to inform the community about available services and to facilitate interpersonal connections that form the basis of effective community referrals into university outpatient facilities. Provision of education to assist the University community in helping students who are distressed or who display maladaptive behaviors. Collaboration on primary prevention programming with other offices and organizations concerned with student well being Targeted outreach to populations who may not readily seek mental health care or those most at risk for stress-related emotional and physical illness due to their membership in an identified risk group. Consultation Consultation is broadly defined as the provision of assistance, support and guidance to anyone within the University community who has concerns about University student mental health issues.  Return to Internship Home Page