In a collaborative initiative aimed at fortifying mental health support on campus, the Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) at Stevens Institute of Technology has forged a strategic alliance with the University of Michigan to administer the Healthy Minds Survey. As the flagship organization at Stevens for mental health awareness and assistance, CAPS enhances the array of services available to students.
The Healthy Minds Survey, an integral component of the Healthy Minds Network (HMN), represents a national endeavor dedicated to advancing adolescent and young adult mental health research. With principal investigators situated at esteemed institutions such as the University of California-Los Angeles, Wayne State University, and Boston University, the HMN spans coast to coast, emerging as a pivotal resource for diverse stakeholders, including post-secondary education administrators, students, researchers, clinicians, and policy-makers.
Although HMN operates nationally, the collaboration with the University of Michigan affords CAPS a unique opportunity to tailor its services to the specific needs of Stevens students. Dr. Eric Rose, the Director of CAPS, emphasized the significance of the survey in gaining profound insights into student mental health and well-being, sources of support, and various mental and emotional health topics.
The survey refrains from storing names or personal information, creating an anonymous platform encouraging students to share their experiences candidly. CAPS aspires to glean authentic responses by fostering an atmosphere of trust, unraveling the nuanced intricacies of students’ mental health needs and resource preferences.
Becca Los, the committee chair for the Student Government Association’s campus wellness committee overseeing mental health initiatives, conveyed optimism about the study’s potential to pinpoint areas where Stevens can bolster mental health awareness. The collaboration between CAPS and the University of Michigan represents a pivotal stride toward fostering an environment prioritizing mental health.
The partnership underscores a commitment to improving mental health awareness and support for Stevens students and positions the institution within a broader national context. The insights derived from the survey will serve as a valuable resource for CAPS, enabling the development of more targeted and adequate resources to address the diverse needs of students.
As the survey unfolds as a confidential and anonymous endeavor, students are poised to provide unfiltered feedback, laying the foundation for a more nuanced understanding of the mental health landscape at Stevens. This collaborative effort ensures the student body’s well-being and contributes to the more extensive national dialogue on adolescent and young adult mental health. In the crucible of this joint undertaking, Stevens stands at the forefront of a transformative initiative that seeks to elevate mental health support to new heights.
