San Diego Community College District-District Office receives $125K Center for Mental Health Services Projects of Regional and National Significance grant from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration

Mesa care: a comprehensive, evidence-based approach to student suicide prevention and behavioral health capacity - san diego mesa college will implement mesa care to strengthen suicide prevention and behavioral health services by expanding access to mental health care, increasing outreach, and improving coordination among campus partners. The project will serve all enrolled students, with a primary focus on students experiencing suicidal ideation, risk of self-harm, or emerging behavioral health concerns who may benefit from early identification, intervention, crisis support, and coordinated referrals. Students requiring more intensive support will have access to crisis intervention, safety planning, and connections to campus and community resources. Mesa care will increase therapist and support staff hours to expand appointment availability and timely access to care; conduct campus-wide educational events, awareness campaigns, and media outreach; and strengthen collaboration among counseling and mental health services, student affairs, faculty, campus police, and other campus partners. The project aims to increase the number of students receiving mental health services and counseling appointments, improve identification and engagement of students of concern, increase participation in suicide prevention and mental health awareness activities, and strengthen referral pathways and timely access to appropriate behavioral health services.