Presentation Information
[O-17-04]Literature Review on Mental Health Support for International Students in Higher Education - How we promote Equity and Diversity
*Maya Yanase (International Student Counseling Office, Student Support Center, Kyoto University(Japan))
Keywords:
International Students,University,Language Barriers,Mental Health Support
Background: The global mobility of students has grown significantly over the past two decades, with international students now comprising a substantial portion of university populations worldwide. International students often face elevated risks of psychological distress due to academic pressure, cultural adjustment, and isolation. Despite this, international students underutilize mental health services compared to their domestic peers due to stigma, cultural misperceptions or language barriers. University mental health services are a primary support channel but may not always be equipped with culturally or linguistically sensitive infrastructure. As a result, international students may feel unwelcome or misunderstood in these settings. Students may struggle to articulate emotional needs, leading to misdiagnosis or ineffective treatment and weaken the therapeutic alliance.
Aims: Brief literature review that synthesizes key findings from recent research on the mental health support landscape for international students in higher education.
Methods: Selective literature review and theoretical synthesis. Results: Despite growing interest, research lacks depth in several areas: few longitudinal studies assess the long-term impact of interventions, students from non-Western countries are underrepresented, and limited research addresses the integration of university services and external care (Kim & Murakami, 2023).
Discussion: Improving mental health support for international students requires a shift from domestic services to culturally responsive systems. Language barriers can hinder both the recognition of mental health needs and the ability to seek appropriate care. Some institutions have begun implementing inclusive mental health models, incorporating multicultural training, peer-led programs, and digital platforms tailored to international students. Multicultural self-awareness among professionals, culturally diverse therapeutic approaches, faculty involvement, and physical spaces that ensure confidentiality are identified to be key components. Lack of culturally competent care may lead the marginalization and burnout of current international student support staff. Recruiting diverse mental health professionals, allocating sustainable funding for international student support services are at least required.
Aims: Brief literature review that synthesizes key findings from recent research on the mental health support landscape for international students in higher education.
Methods: Selective literature review and theoretical synthesis. Results: Despite growing interest, research lacks depth in several areas: few longitudinal studies assess the long-term impact of interventions, students from non-Western countries are underrepresented, and limited research addresses the integration of university services and external care (Kim & Murakami, 2023).
Discussion: Improving mental health support for international students requires a shift from domestic services to culturally responsive systems. Language barriers can hinder both the recognition of mental health needs and the ability to seek appropriate care. Some institutions have begun implementing inclusive mental health models, incorporating multicultural training, peer-led programs, and digital platforms tailored to international students. Multicultural self-awareness among professionals, culturally diverse therapeutic approaches, faculty involvement, and physical spaces that ensure confidentiality are identified to be key components. Lack of culturally competent care may lead the marginalization and burnout of current international student support staff. Recruiting diverse mental health professionals, allocating sustainable funding for international student support services are at least required.