Shani Shahmoon: Peer support network would alleviate demand for counseling services

The transition into college is difficult for most, if not all, students. It can be harder though when you have no one to talk to.

UCLA’s Counseling and Psychological Services is the main resource students have in respect to mental health services. Students who already have mental health issues can use CAPS as a way to continue their therapy, while other students who need help can also seek treatment. However, the demand for CAPS far outpaces the supply of professionals available, which has led to long waiting times and fewer available appointments.

In response to this increased need for CAPS, the undergraduate student government Student Wellness commissioner, Marvin Chen, has recently begun meeting with officials of Healthy Campus Initiative, Active Minds and CAPS in order to create some sort of peer support network that will provide students with the extra reinforcement needed, that CAPS cannot offer.

A peer network is basically an alternative counseling resource that brings students together to mentor one another throughout their time in college. Students are encouraged to support and help each other, under the occasional supervision of a psychiatric professional. However, it would be difficult for Chen to set up this kind of program alone. As such, the UCLA administration should help these organizations to get the ball rolling by providing them with potential options for psychological training and creating a budget directed specifically toward this sort of project.

According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, “One in four young adults between the ages of 18 and 24 have a diagnosable mental illness.” The same organization states that 34.2 percent of students facing mental health issues don’t use college resources to help them cope with their struggles. This is most likely due to the limited resources on college campuses when it comes to mental health programs, making this program all the more necessary.

Not only that, but there is precedent for this kind of program.

Vanier College already approached this issue by creating a new resource that would help fill the gap. By having students volunteer to be properly trained to be useful mentors for students facing minor mental health issues, the university is creating bonds and mentorships between students, where both parties learn and benefit.

The student government there has created the Vanier Peer Support Network, which provides training for all volunteers that can help them help other students with issues that they are properly trained for or give referrals to professionals when needed. These issues range from financial worries to relationship troubles. Its goals are that by providing such a resource, it could reduce stigma revolving around mental health, as well as create a mentally healthy campus.

Studies in “World Psychiatry” have proven that as a result of peer support networks there has been a reduction in the use of emergency rooms and hospitals in connection to mental health check-ins, as well as increases in a sense of hope, control and ability to perpetuate positive change in the lives of those being supported. They can encourage positive self-care, a sense of belonging and satisfaction, while also decreasing levels of depression and psychosis. Similarly, National Coalition for Mental Health Recovery studies have shown that they increase hope, awareness, use of a crisis plan and responsibility for well-being.

All of this to say that UCLA has a lot to gain from emulating Vanier College’s support network, and should look into doing so immediately.

Chen and his staff’s efforts to approach such a situation at the start of the year are admirable and must be continued, and it’s very possible that he and his supporters can lay the groundwork for this kind of program. However, it would be difficult to create a long-lasting, impactful program without institutional support.

The program has the potential to provide students with a stronger support system while also promoting a more positive light on mental health awareness due to the fact that it utilizes students as volunteers and trains them in advocacy as well as solidarity. Also, by using volunteers, it’s a proactive way to deal with a problem without calling for more students fees and grants, while simultaneously giving the volunteers experience they may want in counseling.

CAPS’ limitations are unfortunate and, while staff size does not suffice, demand is increasing. SWC and campus organizations have the opportunity to be proactive and help create a new useful resource for students that approaches this issue. UCLA administrators need to join in the efforts, rather than putting mental health issues on the back burner.