Community College Counseling: Why Are Research Outcomes So Elusive?

Abstract

This article focuses on counseling research in the community college context. The article suggests the need for a robust community college knowledge base, describes some limitations of the current community college literature, and suggests a framework for more effective work in this area. The authors' own experiences and selected examples of published studies are used as illustrations of the hurdles encountered and solutions available when examining counseling theories, practices, and outcomes in 2-year settings.

Utility of the REDFLAGS Model for Supporting Community College Students’ Mental Health: Implications for Counselors

“…The national journals of the American Counseling Association (2018) are tasked with publishing research that enhances the practice of counselors who work in an array of settings with diverse populations. Research on supporting the mental health needs of the increasingly diverse community college population (Schwitzer, Pribesh, Ellis‐O’Quinn, Huber, & Wilmer, 2016), however, is lacking in the national journals of the American Counseling Association. Thus, there is a need for research that aims to validate strategies, interventions, and theoretical models for supporting community college students’ mental health.…”

Mental Health Literacy and Peer‐to‐Peer Counseling Referrals Among Community College Students

“…Researchers should consider germane demographic correlates when investigating community college students’ mental health (Schwitzer et al, 2016). Previous community college researchers have uncovered a number of these background characteristics associated with community college students’ awareness of warning signs for psychiatric distress (Dobmeier, Kalkbrenner, Hill, & Hernández, 2013), utilization of mental health support services (Eisenberg et al, 2016), and reactions to encountering a peer in mental health distress (Kalkbrenner & Hernández, 2017).…”

“…However, there is a dearth of counseling research on the potential utility of MHL for supporting community college students’ mental health. In general, this diverse population faces more serious mental health issues compared with 4‐year university students (Daniel & Davison, 2014; Schwitzer, Pribesh, Ellis‐O’Quinn, Huber, & Wilmer, 2016). To attend to this research gap, we sought to investigate the extent to which three dimensions of MHL were significant predictors of peer‐to‐peer referrals to the counseling center among community college students.…”

Integrating developmental academic advising into college mental health counseling services : a phenomenological study

“…Various studies have explained theoretical models to distinguish "methods for effective work in a variety of campus roles and institutional relationships" (Schwitzer, 2009, p. 99) but those studies are limited on describing where these combined roles have been successfully implemented at higher education institutions. Specifically, literature regarding college counseling and student development in a community college setting is limited (Schwitzer et al, 2012) due to minimal enrollment time for counseling and advising (Locke, Wallace, & Brunner, 2016). In cases of successful community college counseling studies, researchers have "examined narrow, carefully defined, and intentionally differentiated campus groups" (Schwitzer et al, 2012, p. 78).…”

“…The commonalities of the two roles pertain to successful student and personal development to achieve academic success (Krumrei & Newton, 2009). Addressing needs of students with mental health concerns may integrate disciplines such as counseling, student development, academic support, and career planning (Schwitzer, Pribesh, Ellis-O'Quinn, Huber, & Wilmer, 2012).…”