Student preferences for treatment in college counseling centers: examining evidence-based models of care

Objective: This study surveyed undergraduates to understand current experiences of on-campus mental healthcare. The study assessed student ratings of specific interventions for addressing mental health issues in college counseling centers. Participants: 160 undergraduate students. Methods: A mixed-methods approach was used. Quantitative data included acceptability ratings of therapeutic approaches and treatment strategies, and preferences for therapeutic options for two hypothetical scenarios. Qualitative data included narrative responses about treatment models. Results: Individual therapy was the preferred approach for treating typical concerns based on acceptability ratings and qualitative data. Male participants were more likely to rate self-help and non-therapist-assisted treatments as acceptable than females. Students of color were less likely to find therapist-assisted interventions acceptable. Conclusions: Undergraduate students prefer individualized therapy methods, although preferences are associated with gender and racial identity. Further research should focus on clarifying the preferences of males and students of color and incorporating preferences into decisions about treatment delivery.