Evaluating Single-Session Therapy Within a Stepped Care Mental Health Model for University Students

Mental health challenges among university students represent a global concern, underscoring the need for universities to implement responsive and effective care models that swiftly address their students’ needs. This article presents the key findings from an evaluation of the implementation of the UC Stepped Care Model of Mental Health, with a particular focus on the role of Single-Session Therapy (SST) in providing accessible, brief, and effective interventions. A census-type, non-probabilistic convenience sample was drawn from clinical data records, including a total of 7,213 subjects corresponding to the years 2021 ( N = 2,059), 2022 ( N = 2,497), and 2023 ( N = 2,654). A satisfaction measurement was also implemented, including a total of 637 responses. Our experience has shown that integrating SST provides students with timely and quality care, reducing wait times to no more than 24 hr as well as significantly diminishing lengthy wait lists. This, in turn, has facilitated student participation in lower-intensity services as well as addressing presenting concerns in a single session. Our data has shown that this service is highly valued among students. This article concludes that SST is a key component within stepped care models, serving as a preventive mental health intervention within universities.