Suicidal Risk at a College Counseling Center: Correlates at Intake and Therapeutic Outcomes

Suicidal risk is examined within the population of college students entering therapy. College student suicidal risk factors are examined among those entering therapy. Based on suicidal risk presented at intake, subsequent outcomes, with respect to treatment duration and mental health functioning, are evaluated. Participants include 1717 students aged 18-22 receiving therapy services at the Johns Hopkins University Counseling Center. Measures included the Personal Identification Form, Problem Checklist, and Behavioral Health Questionnaire-20. Various demographic (race/ethnicity), clinical (previous treatment and referral source), emotional (depression, anxiety, and substance abuse), and collegiate (thwarted belongingness, academic stress, and identity confusion) factors were associated with increased suicidal risk presented at intake. Initial suicidal risk was also associated with treatment duration and changes in self-reported levels of distress, symptoms, impairment, and global mental health. Implications and future directions are discussed