Florida Universities Short on Mental Health Counselors

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By LLOYD DUNKELBERGER
THE NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA

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THE CAPITAL, TALLAHASSEE, March 24, 2017……… Eight of the 12 state universities fall below minimum staffing levels for mental-health counselors as the need for counseling services grows on campuses, a new report shows.

The university system’s Board of Governors, which has asked for a $7 million increase in mental-health funding in the 2017-2018 budget, will receive an update on the counseling issue during the coming week, as state lawmakers unveil initial budget plans for the higher-education system.

“As of February 2017, all but four (state university) institutions fall considerably below minimum staffing levels recommended by the International Association of Counseling Services,” the Board of Governors report said.

The association recommends at least one counselor for every 1,000 to 1,500 students. The University of North Florida, Florida Gulf Coast University, New College of Florida and Florida Polytechnic University meet that standard, the report said.