Supported Education for Young Adults with Psychiatric Disabilities

The purpose of Supported Education Student Survey study was to calculate the prevalence of psychiatric disabilities and assess the current need among Arizona State University undergraduates who identified as having a psychiatric disability. Three research questions were used to guide the study: what is the prevalence of psychiatric disabilities, student’s active involvement in treatment, and the current service utilization and unmet needs for this specific population of students. An online survey was distributed to 2158 undergraduate students who were enrolled in one of the courses; PSY 101, SOC 101, SWU 171, and COM 100. A total of 76 students participated in the online survey. The prevalence of psychiatric disabilities within the total student sample, consisted of 25 (33%) students who self-reported as having been formally diagnosed by a medical professional with a psychiatric disability and an additional 41 (54%) students indicated that they had informally diagnosed themselves with a psychiatric disability. Results for active involvement in treatment showed that just over 13 % of the total student sample is currently in treatment, although twice as many had received treatment in the past. Close to 90% of the respondents report that they have never disclosed their disability to ASU faculty or staff members – presumably including staff in the Disability Resource Center, the Counseling Training Center, or the Student Health Center. Three out of the four primary areas offered in a Supported Education Programs Career Planning, Academic Survival Skills, and Direct Assistance were identified by the student sample as a potential resource to help supplement students with psychiatric disabilities current unmet needs.