College-Sponsored Mental Health Clubs: Maximizing Success and Reducing Risks - JCAPS Vol. 5 Issue 1

College-sponsored Mental Health Clubs (MHCs) are a 21st-century phenomenon, helping to reduce mental health stigma at colleges across the country. MHCs take many shapes, but most focus on psychoeducation, reducing stigma, advocacy, and peer-to-peer support. These clubs are especially attractive to groups like LGBTQ students and students of color who come to college with additional traumas and identity issues. Trends in training club leaders and members are discussed, and the role of the counseling center as a sponsoring organization is highlighted. Issues of liability are presented, particularly those having to do with: a) the responsibilities of mental health club advisors, b) duty to warn issues, c) dual relationship issues, and d) brave space paradigms and triggering situations. The need and utility of peer-to-peer support groups have been well-documented for decades. Still, the successful transition to mental health clubs under the auspicious of the college requires special vigilance to protect both students and the college.