APA provided responses to two recently released Department of Education requests for information: one regarding mental health and substance use disorder in higher education and the other on sexual violence in educational institutions. Both sets comments were informed by feedback from APA Division 17 (Society of Counseling Psychology)opens in new window, APA Division 35 (Society for the Psychology of Women), as well as APA’s Committee on Children, Youth, and Families, Committee on Sexual Orientation and Gender Diversity, Committee on Women in Psychology, and Taskforce on School Safety.
APA’s comments on mental health and substance use in higher education (PDF, 648KB)opens in new window detailed the rising mental health needs among college students, including as a result of academic and social pressures and financial stress, and highlighted sources and best practices from psychologists at several institutions, such as the University of Albany and Boston University. The association’s recommendations included an increased focus on prevention and early intervention; making mental health and substance use a campus-wide priority; increasing the capacity of counseling centers to provide services; utilizing the voice of students and faculty with lived experiences; and ensuring a trauma-informed approach to mental health care and learning. The comments also highlighted the need for stronger federal investments in college mental health.
In the comments on sexual violence at educational institutions (PDF, 415KB)opens in new window, APA highlighted the prevalence of sexual violence and misconduct in public schools and institutions of higher education, particularly among female, racial and ethnic minority, and LGBTQ+ students, noting the connection between those experiences and the development of mental health concerns. To inform the establishment of sexual assault prevention and response measures in educational settings, the association highlighted the importance of accessibility and availability of support services for survivors; transparency and accountability within the reporting and investigation processes; clear reporting structures that empower individuals who have experienced sexual violence; mindfulness of identity and diversity factors that influence an individual’s risk of experiencing sexual misconduct; family engagement, particularly for younger students; and training for the school and campus community. The comments also urged the Department of Education to expeditiously issue an updated Title IX rule, which would cover many of APA’s proposed recommendations and for the first time, extend Title IX protections based on sexual orientation and gender identity.
For more information, contact Kenneth Polishchuk.