Mental Health Needs for Students Enrolled in Inclusive Postsecondary Education Programs

Abstract

As students with intellectual disabilities (SWID) are increasingly attending inclusive postsecondary education (IPSE) programs, their specific needs and barriers to success must be assessed and addressed. Additionally, mental health (MH) conditions are common in college age students, this remains true for SWID enrolled in IPSE programs. This study surveyed 33 IPSE program directors nationwide regarding the MH needs of SWID enrolled in their programs. Survey results concluded that the majority of IPSE program directors reported having experienced students having MH concerns while enrolled in an IPSE program. The most frequently observed MH concerns were noted to be anxiety and depression. Barriers to MH services for SWID in IPSE programs included lack of competent MH professionals on campus, long wait times, and IPSE students not being eligible for campus-based MH services.

Keywords

• mental health; intellectual disabilities; inclusive postsecondary education