Mental health challenges are pervasive across college campuses. A U.S. News lab report showed that 70 percent of college students have struggled with their mental health since starting their higher education. This is an alarming statistic, as these rates have reached an all-time high. College administrators have begun to rethink their approach to addressing students with mental health issues, and this has led to improvements in care.
The American Psychological Association shared various strategies that colleges are using to enhance the well-being of their students. This includes same-day counseling, increased clinician presence on campus, mental health training for faculty, group therapy, and peer counseling. These are all great ways to support students. However, the way struggling students are addressed becomes more complicated when seen as a safety risk.
If a student reports thoughts of hurting themselves or others, addressing the situation often falls out of the student’s hands. College administrators may see them as a liability, potentially leading them to take actions that completely disregard the student’s best interests. The Psychiatric Times reported that a student at the University of Chicago sought treatment from the counseling center due to depression and superficial self-harm. She clearly stated that she had zero thoughts of suicide but was forced to stay in a hospital for two weeks, despite not being in danger. She was then forced to take a one-year leave of absence.
An article in the Chronicle of Higher Education shared the story of Elizabeth Reimer, a student at Dartmouth College. She had just been discharged from a psychiatric hospital following a suicide attempt and was allowed to remain on campus as long as she started meeting with a counselor, as well as taking antidepressants. A few days later, Reimer reported suicidal thoughts but was able to speak to a professional and calm herself down. Despite saying she felt safe again, she was involuntarily admitted to the hospital.
After being discharged, Dartmouth required Reimer to take a medical leave, and the college prohibited her from setting foot on campus. Reimer stated that it would be much worse for her mental health, but nobody listened. She was now isolated from her support system, and this led her to commit suicide. Students were enraged by how Dartmouth handled Reimer’s case, leading to one student writing about it in the school newspaper. The columnist urged administrators to “stop punishing students for suffering.” Involuntary medical leaves truly can be a punishment.
There are widespread debates about the proper use of involuntary medical leaves. Administrators can be torn between giving students the right to choose their own care and preventing disruptions on campuses. Most students emphasize that they would be better off remaining at school.
Marcia Morris, who works for the University of Florida’s mental health services, believes that an involuntary medical leave should be a last resort. Colleges with involuntary leave policies take place mainly being focused on preventing a liability issue. Nancy Roy, the Jed Foundation’s chief clinical officer, believes that colleges or universities also want to protect their image. In addition, the Jed Foundation stated that someone from the college should stay in contact with the student while in recovery, which usually does not occur.
Colleges that use involuntary medical leaves are stripping the rights away from their students. With most students being over the age of eighteen, they should have the freedom to make most of their decisions. However, many colleges disregard this when a situation could harm the institution’s name.
Of course, there are instances where students should be removed from campus, especially if others can be harmed. However, forcing students to take time off when it is not in their best interest only acts in the college’s favor. The institution no longer has to handle the risk of liability or a bad reputation.
The involuntary medical leave must be rethought, and students should not have to be afraid of being sent home if they are suicidal. There must be a change to how colleges handle students in crisis.
