Dr. Tam Le Rovitto, LCSW

Students who seek mental health services on campus have been found to improve personal, professional, and social functioning. However, first-generation college students (FGCS) are likely to experience greater emotional and psychological stress but are less likely to access college counseling centers (CCC) services. This qualitative study examined the experiences of CCC clinicians in working with FGCS. Three overarching themes emerged as: FGCS’ systemic obstacles, common presenting concerns, and… Show more

Students who seek mental health services on campus have been found to improve personal, professional, and social functioning. However, first-generation college students (FGCS) are likely to experience greater emotional and psychological stress but are less likely to access college counseling centers (CCC) services. This qualitative study examined the experiences of CCC clinicians in working with FGCS. Three overarching themes emerged as: FGCS’ systemic obstacles, common presenting concerns, and building on resilience. Clinicians’ experiences were influenced by their clinical training and understanding of FGCS’ narratives and assets. They emphasized the importance of FGCS resilience and the utilization of humility and empowerment to promote FGCS growth. Clinicians indicated the need for specialized training to best support, advocate, and build on FGCS resilience. Show less

Among the 20 million students nationwide enrolled in colleges in the fall of 2019, one-third were first-generation college students (FGCS). The college years spark life transitions for all students, but for FGCS, there are additional challenges and barriers in mental health-seeking and treatment. Hence, the treatment attrition rate is high once FGCS access services at college counseling centers (CCC). Research suggests that the cultural humility framework and the Cultural Formulation Interview… Show more

Among the 20 million students nationwide enrolled in colleges in the fall of 2019, one-third were first-generation college students (FGCS). The college years spark life transitions for all students, but for FGCS, there are additional challenges and barriers in mental health-seeking and treatment. Hence, the treatment attrition rate is high once FGCS access services at college counseling centers (CCC). Research suggests that the cultural humility framework and the Cultural Formulation Interview (CFI) may be effective interventions for getting FGCS to access and engage mental health services. The cultural humility framework emphasizes self-reflection and alliance building. And the CFI explores specific cultural norms, causes of mental health complaints, and barriers to treatment. This composite case study aims to illustrate the benefits and effectiveness of integrating the cultural humility framework and the CFI throughout treatment of an FGCS. Providing such services reveals that FGCS engagement and retention rates at CCC will improve. Show less