Mental health status at initial counseling sessions among US university students: A comparative analysis by race and religion.

AIM: We analyzed university students' mental health to inform culturally tailored interventions within university counseling services, focusing on race and religion as key variables.

METHODS

Data were collected over 5 years from students at X University attending their first counseling session (N = 9373). Participants completed the Counseling Center Assessment of Psychological Symptoms (CCAPS). Differences in CCAPS scores were examined using a one-way multivariate analysis of variance.

RESULTS

Asian American students had high depression and hostility scores, whereas White students had lower distress scores. Asian American students scored the highest in potential thought disturbance and suicidal thoughts. Hindu and Jewish students scored the highest and lowest in depression, respectively.

CONCLUSION

University students' mental health varies significantly by race and religion, underscoring the importance of culturally competent interventions within university counseling centers. This highlights the need for implementing targeted and tailored mental health strategies among diverse student populations.