Abstract
Objective and Participants: From 2002 to 2005, the authors tested an interactive, Web-based method to encourage college students at risk for suicide to seek treatment. Methods: The authors invited students at 2 universities to complete an online questionnaire that screened for depression and other suicide risk factors. Respondents received a personalized assessment and were able to communicate anonymously with a clinical counselor online. At-risk students were urged to attend in-person evaluation and treatment. Results: A total of 1,162 students (8% of those invited) completed the screening questionnaire; 981 (84.4%) were designated as at high or moderate risk. Among this group, 190 (19.4%) attended an inperson evaluation session with the counselor, and 132 (13.5%) entered treatment. Students who engaged in online dialogues with the counselor were 3 times more likely than were those who did not to come for evaluation and enter treatment. Conclusions: The method has considerable promise for encouraging previously untreated, at-risk college students to get help.
Original language | English (US) |
---|---|
Pages (from-to) | 15-22 |
Number of pages | 8 |
Journal | Journal of American College Health |
Volume | 57 |
Issue number | 1 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Jul 1 2008 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- College students
- Outreach
- Suicide prevention
- Web-based screening
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health
- Education