In order to use resources most effectively and address the wellness of Buffalo State students, the Counseling Center has implemented the Stepped Care Model (Adapted from Stepped Care 2.0). The Stepped Care Model is a multi-tier system of programs that seeks to meet students where they are in the change process, while promoting autonomy and empowerment. The most effective yet least-resource intensive intervention is offered first; care is stepped up to the next level based on evidence of required need. The Stepped Care Model ensures more rapid access to care through single-session walk-in clinics that offer solutions immediately with only minimal assessment.
The goals of the Stepped Care Model at the Counseling Center include:
- to provide timely access to mental health care and education
- to create customized Care Plans in response to the unique and specific needs of each individual student
- to use a strengths-based approach to support client autonomy
- to connect students to a range of wellness and academic services and supports, both inside the Counseling Center and across the Buffalo State campus
- to introduce students to resources, including online screenings and websites, wellness-based apps, and self-help materials
- to increase utilization of group counseling and psychoeducational workshops
- to increase utilization of short-term services
- to provide referrals to community providers as needed
The following is a list of possible services that may be included in your individualized Care Plan:
- online or app-based self-guided resources
- short-term individual, group, or couples counseling
- wellness workshops and psychoeducational seminars
- referrals to peer support programming, campus offices and/or services, or the community
Text representation of the Stepped Care Model
