University of Montana students confront rural school counseling crisis

In Montana, the University of Montana's social work, school counseling, and mental health counseling programs have contributed significantly to addressing the shortage of mental health professionals in rural schools. As of recently, 53 K-12 students across the state have been referred for one-on-one counseling services through the university's program, with an increasing number of referrals anticipated. Broadus school counselor Dori Phillips reported that since joining the program, six students have already been connected to tele-counseling services, highlighting the urgent need for mental health support among rural students. The challenges that rural communities face in accessing mental health support are compounded by the distance to mental health facilities and a lack of certified professionals. Many small schools in Montana either lack a counselor entirely or have staff who juggle multiple responsibilities, such as teaching. The Montana Small Schools Alliance has also developed a crisis support app, which has reached over 20,000 students, further emphasizing the dire need for mental health resources in these communities. Counselors like Erin Dozhier, who possess a background in rural settings themselves, have shared that the stigma and logistical barriers often prevent families from seeking help. Dozhier's experiences reflect a broader truth in rural settings—counseling sessions can lead to uncomfortable situations for both students and counselors when they encounter each other outside of the counseling context. This barrier underscores the importance of providing services that are both accessible and discrete. Overall, the initiatives taken by the University of Montana and allied organizations mark a significant step towards expanding mental health support for K-12 students. As these programs grow, they aim to more effectively meet the needs of families and students facing challenging personal circumstances, including trauma, grief, and family disruptions. The commitment to helping this vulnerable population remains strong, with more students expected to benefit from these essential counseling services in the future.