Enhancing Mental Health Services Through Strategic Planning: The East Tennessee State University Counseling Center's 2024-2028 Plan
Abstract
Abstract: University counseling centers are increasingly critical in addressing student mental health challenges, yet many lack structured frameworks to optimize service delivery. The East Tennessee State University (ETSU) Counseling Center developed its first-ever Strategic Plan (2024-2028) to improve service accessibility, quality, and visibility, ensuring alignment with the university’s mission to enhance student well-being and academic success. This initiative utilized a collaborative and evidence-based approach, engaging Counseling Center leadership, staff, and stakeholders, with technical support from a Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) intern. A SWOT analysis, stakeholder mapping, and key performance indicators (KPIs) were employed to identify strengths, gaps, and opportunities. The process included workshops, structured consultations, and iterative feedback loops, ensuring the plan addressed both immediate and long-term mental health needs. The resulting plan outlines four strategic priorities: (1) Expanding Service Utilization, (2) Improving Visibility and Accessibility, (3) Enhancing Safety and Student Satisfaction, and (4) Developing Training Programs for counseling staff and trainees. Initial implementation efforts have already led to expanded group therapy sessions, enhanced staff training, and increased campus-wide mental health literacy initiatives. This strategic plan provides a scalable model for university mental health services, demonstrating the impact of structured planning in optimizing counseling center operations. Future recommendations include ongoing assessment, strengthened university-community partnerships, and sustainable funding models to ensure long-term improvements in student mental health outcomes.
Start Time
16-4-2025 9:00 AM
End Time
16-4-2025 11:30 AM
Presentation Type
Poster
Presentation Category
Health
Student Type
Graduate Student - Doctoral
Faculty Mentor
Blackwell Roger L
Faculty Department
Community and Behavioral Health
Enhancing Mental Health Services Through Strategic Planning: The East Tennessee State University Counseling Center's 2024-2028 Plan
Abstract: University counseling centers are increasingly critical in addressing student mental health challenges, yet many lack structured frameworks to optimize service delivery. The East Tennessee State University (ETSU) Counseling Center developed its first-ever Strategic Plan (2024-2028) to improve service accessibility, quality, and visibility, ensuring alignment with the university’s mission to enhance student well-being and academic success. This initiative utilized a collaborative and evidence-based approach, engaging Counseling Center leadership, staff, and stakeholders, with technical support from a Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) intern. A SWOT analysis, stakeholder mapping, and key performance indicators (KPIs) were employed to identify strengths, gaps, and opportunities. The process included workshops, structured consultations, and iterative feedback loops, ensuring the plan addressed both immediate and long-term mental health needs. The resulting plan outlines four strategic priorities: (1) Expanding Service Utilization, (2) Improving Visibility and Accessibility, (3) Enhancing Safety and Student Satisfaction, and (4) Developing Training Programs for counseling staff and trainees. Initial implementation efforts have already led to expanded group therapy sessions, enhanced staff training, and increased campus-wide mental health literacy initiatives. This strategic plan provides a scalable model for university mental health services, demonstrating the impact of structured planning in optimizing counseling center operations. Future recommendations include ongoing assessment, strengthened university-community partnerships, and sustainable funding models to ensure long-term improvements in student mental health outcomes.