Objective: College students who receive an acute care visit (ACV) from an emergency or inpatient unit require mental health follow-up (MHF) to improve long-term outcomes. This study describes tracking ACVs and MHF, while identifying characteristics of multiple vs. single ACVs.Participants: 191 students who received an ACV (N = 231) at one public university - enrollment approximately 39,000.Methods: For two academic years (AYs), students were tracked and offered timely MHF. Demographics, clinical information, utilization patterns, and rates of MHF were analyzed.Results: Primary reasons for an ACV were suicidal thinking (60.6%) and psychosis (13.9%). MHF improved between AYs (65.8% to 93.3%, X2 = 27.48, p < .01). Multiple vs. single visits were more likely to present with self-injurious behavior and psychosis and received more intensive follow-up yet, had similar rates of MHF.Conclusions: The primary reasons for an ACV - suicidal thinking and psychosis - underscore the importance of campus suicide prevention and psychosis-specific services.
Keywords: College student; coordinated care; emergency department; mental health; suicide prevention.