Considerations for Integration of Counseling and Health Services on College and University Campuses

This white paper outlines many of the ways that student health and counseling services have developed their relationships and provides guidance in terms of effective practices in these areas.

ACHA members represent a wide diversity of college and university settings. While most college and university campuses have discrete mental health and medical services, the integration of the two areas has been subject of increased discussion among student health and counseling professionals. The push to integrate counseling and health services is motivated by a variety of reasons: a philosophical desire to provide holistic care, a wish to emphasize wellness, as well as a thrust to streamline resources. Integration, however, does not look or mean the same on each campus that has merged services. This white paper outlines many of the ways that student health and counseling services have developed their relationships at a variety of institutions of higher education and provides some guidance in terms of effective practices in these areas.