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Source:

Kalkbrenner, Michael T. et al. “A Mental Health Literacy Approach to Supporting First-Generation Community College Student Mental Health: The REDFLAGS Model.” Community College Review, vol. 49, no. 3, July 2021, pp. 243–61. EBSCOhost, https://doi.org/10.1177/00915521211002893.

Summary:

In the article titled “A Mental Health Literacy Approach to Supporting First-Generation Community College Student Mental Health: The REDFLAGS Model.,” Michael Kalkbrenner examines the effectiveness of the REDFLAGS model with regard to the mental health of college students. This article was published in the scholarly journal Community College Review in July of 2021. REDFLAGS is an acronym for eight common warning signs of mental illness. It has been implemented in various schools as a way to increase mental health literacy (MHL). MHL includes one’s attitudes, knowledge, and beliefs about mental health disorders. The ultimate goal of REDFLAGS is to train students and faculty to recognize potential signs of a mental health disorder. In this study, a random sample of community college students completed a questionnaire about the validity of the REDFLAGS model. The vast majority of students, many of whom had sought counseling in the past, indicated that the REDFLAGS warning signs were mostly reliable. The findings suggest that the REDFLAGS approach is multidimensional and will generally lead to an increase in peer-to-peer counseling referrals (Kalkbrenner et al. 243-261).

Evaluation/Reflection:

This article details one approach to student mental health and demonstrates its validity. It was a very helpful source, one that I will likely use in my essay. To form my argument, I need to provide potential solutions to the mental health crisis within SUNY New Paltz. The REDFLAGS model is valuable because its reliability has been proved through experimentation. I will likely suggest this model as a possible step in the right direction. I know that this source is credible because the primary author is an assistant professor at New Mexico State University. Kalkbrenner works in the departments of educational psychology and counseling, which makes him an authority on the subject of mental health.

Source:

Parcover, Jason, et al. “Implementing a Public Health Approach to Addressing Mental Health Needs in a University Setting: Lessons and Challenges.” Journal of College Student Psychotherapy, vol. 29, no. 3, July 2015, pp. 197-210. EBSCOhost, https://doi.org/10p.1080/87568225.2015.1045781.

Summary:

In the article titled “Implementing a Public Health Approach to Addressing Mental Health Needs in a University Setting: Lessons and Challenges,” Jason Parcover and his team, all of whom work in the counseling field at Loyola University Maryland, analyzed the public health model for student mental health. This article appeared in a July 2015 issue of Journal of College Student Psychotherapy, which is dedicated to enhancing the mental health and personal development of college students. As the name suggests, the public health approach emphasizes a widespread commitment to mental health awareness and treatment. While most forms of counseling focus on individuals, public health targets groups. “For example, students, parents, faculty, and staff might be targeted to raise awareness about the signs and symptoms of mental health or emotional difficulties, and about mental health services available on campus and in local communities, thereby making referrals more likely” (Parcover 204). The public health approach prioritizes mental health education and regular assessments of the student population. The hope is that making mental health a campus-wide issue will lead to greater sensitivity and more referrals (Parcover et al. 197-210).

Evaluation/Reflection:

Although the public health model may be difficult to implement due to its large scale, mental health should be a more widespread priority at SUNY New Paltz. I believe that having an educated student body will help create a more comfortable/safer environment for those who are struggling. One simple example is the formation of more mental health groups.