Advice for Mental Health Professionals

ASSISTING CLIENTS TO ACCESS COMMUNITY COLLEGE: ADVICE FOR MENTAL HEALTH PROFESSIONALS

• If possible, begin contact with Disabled Students Services (DSP&S) in the summer.
• Go with your client to their initial visit to the college campus.
• Do a “walk through” with bus schedules and routes.
• Bring along your client’s Rehabilitation Plan.
• Help your client to coordinate their Educational Plan (IEP) with their Rehabilitation Plan.
• Ask for placement testing accommodations.
• Take advantage of priority registration as offered DSP&S.
• Facilitate academic programming that incorporates your client’s unique needs and challenges.
• Suggest that your client keep a unit load that is low at first (six units).
• Avoid a one-day per week schedule. It is not consistent enough to assume the student role.
• Secure accommodations, texts, and materials early.
• Ask for a campus tour that includes all support programs.
• Assist your client to identify places on campus to study and “hang out”.
• Discuss issues related to disclosure.
• Provide educational coaching regarding the student role.
• Monitor your client’s progress continually during the first semester.
• Be aware of the college calendar including add, drop deadlines.
• If academic problems occur, encourage your client to reduce their unit load rather than drop out of school.
• Be aware that there are “late start” classes that will allow for flexibility if an academic program adjustment is required.
• Become familiar with the college catalogue including certificate degree, and transfer requirements, the student code of conduct, academic probation, and various appeal procedures including a “petition for late withdrawal” from classes.