A Mental Health Guide for Family & Friends of First-Generation College Students
When a student is the first ever in their family to attend college or first in their generation, navigating campus systems—including mental health support—can feel unfamiliar and look different than high school experiences.
Counseling and Prevention Services (CPS) is a confidential, student-centered resource designed to support emotional well-being, adjustment, and success, staffed by licensed clinical mental health providers.
Family members and friends play an important role in encouraging students to understand and access these services appropriately.
Table of Contents
- Understanding CPS: What It Is
- Key Differences: High School vs. College Mental Health Services
- Important Terms to Know
- What CPS Commonly Helps With
- What CPS Typically Does Not Provide
- How Students Access CPS
- What if There Is a Crisis or Same-Day Need
- How Family and Friends Can Help
- Understanding Your Role
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Supporting Student Well-Being Together
Understanding CPS: What It Is
CPS is the campus-based mental health service that provides:
- Short-term individual counseling
- Crisis support and risk assessment
- Skill-building workshops
- Outreach and prevention programming
- Referral coordination for longer-term or specialized care
CPS is available for students enrolled and actively attending classes and is free. Students might refer to CPS by many names (Counseling Services, Counseling Center, Psych Services, etc.). Regardless of what we are called, CPS is designed to be a starting point for support or a support for episodic care; we are not a long-term treatment provider.
Key Differences: High School vs. College Mental Health Services
| High School Model | CPS Model |
| Parent/guardian is often involved in care | Students control access to their care |
| School counselors manage academic + emotional needs | CPS focuses specifically on mental health, substance use, and performance concerns |
| Regular, ongoing access may be built into the schedule | Students must initiate and schedule appointments |
| Communication with families is common | Services are confidential as long as the student is over the age of 16 years |
| Structured support and monitoring | Emphasis on independence and self-advocacy |
Key takeaway: Campus mental health care shifts responsibility to the student, with CPS supporting (but not directing) their engagement.
Important Terms to Know
Confidentiality
Information shared in counseling is private and confidential under State Law. CPS cannot disclose details to family or friends without the student’s explicit and freely given written permission, except in specific situations involving immediate safety concerns.
Intake Appointment
The first meeting in which a counselor meets with the student, reviews their needs, gathers background information, and recommends next steps (which may include meeting with a specific counselor, a referral to specialized care, etc.).
Short-Term Counseling Model
CPS typically provides brief, solution- and goal-focused counseling rather than long-term weekly therapy. While most students utilizing CPS meet for about 3-6 sessions per semester, students needing more than 8 sessions per semester or 16 per year will exceed what we can usually support on campus
Referral
When a student is recommended to connect to an off-campus provider for ongoing or specialized care. Referrals are voluntary, at the student’s discretion, and the student is responsible for accessing and funding them.
Crisis Services
Immediate support for urgent mental health concerns, including risk of harm to self or others, hallucinations, and/or inability to perform everyday life tasks.
Care Coordination
Assistance in connecting students to appropriate services both on and off campus.
What CPS Commonly Helps With
- Adjustment to college life
- Stress, anxiety, and mood concerns
- Relationship challenges
- Performance Concerns
- Identity development and belonging
- Academic pressure and burnout
- Crisis intervention and safety planning
What CPS Typically Does Not Provide
- Long-term, open-ended therapy
- Psychiatric medication assessment or management (CPS and Health Services do not prescribe psychiatric medication)
- Highly specialized or intensive treatment (e.g., eating disorder programs, medically supervised substance detox)
In these cases, CPS helps students connect to appropriate community providers.
How Students Access CPS
Students typically:
- Schedule an appointment online through their Health Portal
- Call 732-571-7517
Encourage your student to:
- Reach out early rather than waiting for concerns to escalate
- Attend the initial intake appointment to explore options
What if There Is a Crisis or Same-Day Need
Emergencies are often unpredictable and unexpected. CPS has limited same-day appointments available, and it is recommended that the student call CPS to confirm availability before arriving at the office.
CPS has partnered with Uwill to offer 24/7 Teletherapy Support, including a crisis stabilization hotline and the ability for students to schedule ongoing teletherapy appointments. More information about how students can access free and confidential support with Uwill is at Monmouth Uwill.
How Family and Friends Can Help
Encourage, Don’t Direct
- Suggest CPS as a resource, but allow the student to take the lead
- Avoid scheduling or contacting services on their behalf
Use Supportive Language
- “It might help to talk to someone on campus.”
- “CPS is there for exactly this kind of situation.”
- “Students often find it helpful to consult with CPS and explore options”
Normalize Help-Seeking
- Reinforce that counseling is common and proactive
- Emphasize that many students use CPS at some point
Stay Connected
- Maintain regular communication with the student
- Listen without immediately trying to solve the problem
Recognizing When Additional Support May Be Needed
Encourage your student to seek help if you notice:
- Significant or persistent changes in mood
- Withdrawal from communication or activities
- Increased stress that interferes with daily functioning
- Expressions of hopelessness or feeling overwhelmed
If there are immediate safety concerns, contact MUPD 24/7 at 732-571-4444 and they and CPS can collaborate on a response.
Understanding Your Role
It is natural to want updates or involvement; however:
- College students are legally adults
- Privacy laws limit what CPS can share
- Your support is most effective when it promotes independence and trust
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Contact CPS about My Student?
Yes, you can share concerns, and CPS will listen, but CPS may not be able to confirm whether your student is receiving services.
Will CPS Notify Me if my student is struggling?
Not typically, unless there is a significant, immediate safety concern and protocols require outreach.
What if my student refuses help?
Continue to express concern, provide support, and encourage resources. In urgent situations, contact campus emergency services.
Supporting Student Well-Being Together
For college students, learning how to navigate support systems is part of the college experience. With encouragement, clear information, and a supportive network, students can successfully access the care they need and build lifelong skills in managing their well-being.