different criteria for college search...HELP!

College Search & Selection
1

<p>So I've been researching a lot about possible colleges to apply to, but it's been really difficult to find out anything about a college's mental health services on-campus, and their websites aren't very helpful on this matter beyond the basics. I'm looking for a school with strong mental health services (particularly depression) as this has been somewhat of a problem in h.s. </p>

<p>Other things to look for:
-I'm really interested in engineering, so a school with a strong program in that is a must
-A decently high minority population, particularly African-American/Hispanic population (i don't want it to be like high school all over again - the 3% African-American stat at Berkeley/UCLA freaks me out)
-though one-dimensional schools (MIT/Caltech) are okay, I'd prefer a really well-rounded school as I'm also interested in the cognitive sciences</p>

<p>I don't mind being far from home (Southern California), and my therapist actually thinks it would be very beneficial for me to get away for college.</p>

<p>My guidance counselor (competitive private all-girls school) seems to think that I might have somewhat of a shot at top schools (Stanford, Yale, etc.), but I'm hesitant to start putting these super-elite competitive schools on my list before I know about the quality of their mental health services. Any rankings or things of that nature on this subject would be greatly appreciated!</p>

2

<p>here are a couple of ideas to evaluate a schools mental health services:
-hours facility is open
-staff- how many? level of degree (i.e. social workers vs psychologists vs psychiatrists?)
-availability of staff
-what you are entitled to as a student (how many sessions, any fees, etc), how therapists are assigned</p>

<p>i'd give a call to the health centers for this information (especially if you cant find info online). i'd imagine they would be very helpful answering your questions.</p>

3

<p>thanks. anyone else?</p>

4

<p>If you are looking for schools with a higher minority population, you could start with the list of HBCUs. </p>

<p>List</a> of HBCUs -- White House Initiative on Historically Black Colleges and Universities</p>

<p>Many of these schools have excellent academic reputations and will offer the degree programs you are interested in. Then you can weed the list further based on your criteria for mental health support.</p>

<p>All the best.</p>