By Mary Anne Knapp, MSW, LCSW
Social workers in college counseling centers see increasing numbers of students each year for problems ranging from homesickness and test anxiety to eating disorders and suicidal thoughts.
While many people think of college as an ideal time of life when young adults are meeting academic challenges, experiencing personal growth and enjoying social activities like football games and parties; college can also be a time of depression and overwhelming anxiety, confusion about identity and dealing with losses and traumas such as parental divorce or date rape.
Life can feel complicated and lonely as students move into a new and shifting environment without the emotional skills or support to deal with many of the changes they are facing. For returning adult students there may be additional financial and caretaking issues with which to contend.
How Social Workers Help
An effective social work therapist in the college counseling center setting is able to evaluate, diagnose, and provide treatment for a range of life and emotional issues. Clinical social workers engage in assessment of student problems and emotional status, provide crisis intervention, individual and group counseling, make referrals for medical and psychiatric services and engage in consultation with friends, family and other caregivers on campus.
Working with young adults requires openness to changes in cultural trends and surface presentations of students while also connecting with them about timeless issues such as understanding life events, developing coping strategies and finding meaning in their struggles. In the case of suicidal or high risk behaviors, a social worker’s role may involve developing a safety plan to prevent harm.
In addition to counseling services, social workers also engage in education and prevention activities as well as activities designed to create a more caring and emotionally responsive environment. Social workers present workshops and classroom presentations for students on topics such as stress management, depression, and relationship communication. Faculty, staff, and peer helpers are also trained to identify and refer students experiencing emotional distress.
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The opinions expressed in this article are those of the writer, and do not necessarily reflect those of the National Association of Social Workers or its members.
