University psychological support services in Almaty

Abstract

This article explores the organizational details of university psychological support services in Almaty city and region. The authors review the relevant literature to identify best practices in organizing and delivering mental health support services tailored to college students' needs.

Nine universities participated in the study and answered adapted interview questions from The An-nual Questionnaire of the Association of Directors of Counseling Centers of Universities and Colleges. The questionnaire covers general university information, psychological support service information, counseling services, and additional services. The article also highlights the correlation of current practice to Standards for University and College Counseling revised by the International Accreditation of Counseling Services.

The article found out that mental health services are developing in Almaty region universities. They practice various roles at the university, provide individual counseling, and use online and offline out-reach tools. It is established that in the Almaty region, the staff of services in universities includes from 1 to 4 psychologists; the average ratio is 1 psychologist to 3800 students. Thus, the quantity and quality of personnel is a growth point for further development. The analysis showed that mostly 1st-year students turn to psychological services. Top 4 students’ problems are difficulties in relationships, self-esteem, relationships in the family and with parents, as well as problems with self-identification. Most screenings are conducted for adaptation (50%), motivation (37.5%), anxiety (37.5%) and depressive states (37.5%). 50% of the services do not offer any programs or resources on the current problem – suicide prevention. Key words: university counseling, psychological support center, higher education, Almaty, students.