Wright State partners with local universities, hospitals to expand mental health care for students

Wright State University partnered with Kettering Health, Dayton Children’s Hospital, Premier Health, the University of Dayton, Kettering College and Sinclair Community College to launch the College Age Intensive Outpatient Program.

Wright State University is collaborating with local colleges and the region’s three major hospital systems to expand access to mental health care for college students through the new College Age Intensive Outpatient Program.

The program was developed in partnership with Kettering Health, Dayton Children’s Hospital, Premier Health, the University of Dayton, Kettering College, Sinclair Community College and Wright State University. It aims to address the growing mental health crisis among traditional college students.

The program serves students ages 18 to 24 who are currently enrolled in undergraduate courses and need more support than traditional outpatient therapy provides. Therapists work with students experiencing mental health challenges such as anxiety, depression or suicidal thoughts and behaviors.

Participants receive individualized psychiatric treatment and supportive services that encourage positive behavioral changes through interactive learning, interpersonal growth and personal development. The goal is to help each student develop new coping skills and set them up for success throughout their college journey.

“The College Age Intensive Outpatient Program represents the power of collaboration among higher education and health care partners to meet a critical need,” said Wright State University President Sue Edwards. “By connecting students to specialized, high-quality care, we can help them manage their mental well-being so they can stay engaged, succeed academically and reach their full potential.”

Students can self-refer or be referred to the program by university counseling centers, emergency departments, inpatient facilities or community mental health agencies.

Participants attend group therapy sessions for nine to 12 hours a week, typically remaining in the program for four to six weeks. Each student also meets weekly with an individual therapist. Family counseling is available when deemed helpful by the student and care team.

The program will initially be offered through Kettering Health Behavioral Medical Center, with Premier Health expected to begin offering therapy within the next year.

Edwards said the partnership reflects Wright State’s ongoing commitment to supporting the mental health of its students and employees.

“At Wright State, we are deeply committed to creating an environment where students, faculty and staff feel supported in every aspect of their well-being,” Edwards said. “Expanding access to mental health care, increasing counseling resources and training our faculty and staff to recognize signs of distress are all part of our effort to ensure that no one faces these challenges alone.”

Wright State’s Counseling and Wellness Services has expanded its clinical capacity by hiring additional licensed psychologists and clinical counselors to meet a broader range of student mental health needs.

In addition, the university launched Mental Health First Aid training for faculty and staff, teaching them to recognize signs of mental health challenges, provide initial support and guide individuals to professional help.

Wright State’s Health and Wellness Task Force continues to promote a culture of care and well-being across the Dayton and Lake campuses and is implementing Wright State’s JED Campus initiative to strengthen student mental health, substance use and suicide prevention efforts.

For more information on the College Age Intensive Outpatient Program, visit ketteringhealth.org or call 937-534-4600 and select option three.