Date

5-2025

Document Type

Capstone Project (Open Access)

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science (B.S.)

Department

Health, Human Services and Public Policy

Major

Collaborative Health and Human Services

Abstract

Reintegrating into campus life after a psychiatric hospitalization can be deeply challenging for college students. Research shows that in the two weeks following discharge from inpatient care, individuals are 200 times more likely to die by suicide than the general population—making this a critical period of vulnerability (Chung et al., 2017). Suicide remains the second leading cause of death among college-aged adults (Centers for Disease Control, 2023). In response to these risks, this capstone project utilized a mixed-methods approach, through community-based participatory research to explore how CSUMB’s CARE Team and Dean of Students’ Office can best support students before, during, and after psychiatric hospitalization. The project aimed to co-create a student-led vision of supportive aftercare and prevention strategies. Findings revealed several key barriers to care, including difficulties accessing ongoing therapy, unsafe transportation options, and heightened anxiety during hospitalization due to academic stress and uncertainty about academic standing. Recommendations for CARE and the Dean of Students’ Office include: developing outreach materials to alleviate anxiety and reassure students of institutional support during hospitalization, refining protocols for crisis transportation and post-discharge planning, and expanding access to medical insurance navigation services.

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