Embedded counselling supports students, study finds
Only one in three counselling providers had been collecting outcome data.
A US study has revealed the benefits of embedded counselling services in veterinary medical programmes to the psychological wellbeing of students.
Researchers from the University of Missouri found that embedded counselling services had led to improvements in cases of depression, anxiety, academic distress, eating disorders and substance abuse among veterinary students.
The study saw the researchers analyse the University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine’s archival data from 437 doctor of veterinary medicine students, interns and residents. These students had all participated in embedded counselling services between 2016 and 2024.
Data was measured against the Counseling Center Assessment of Psychological Symptoms-62, revealing significant improvements across a variety of issues which might contribute to psychological distress.
The researchers were also able to identify other issues the veterinary students may be experiencing alongside mental health challenges. These included financial stress, chronic health problems and histories of traumatic experiences.
These challenges, as well as the benefit of embedded counselling, proved to be consistent regardless of the veterinary student’s field of training.
This study, led by licensed psychologist Kerry Karaffa, is believed to be the first of its kind to evaluate the effectiveness of embedded counselling to veterinary trainees. While searching for data, researchers discovered that only one in three veterinary mental health practitioners they reached out to had been collecting outcome data from their clients.
Dr Karaffa said that the data would reveal the positive outcomes associated with counselling, which could encourage more veterinary students to seek help.
He also believes that the insights could benefits students outside of the veterinary sector. Dr Karaffa is calling on more embedded counselling providers to incorporate clinical progress monitoring to enhance services and inform key decisions.
Dr Karaffa said: "This approach would help us track mental health trends, refine our practices, adapt outreach programs and demonstrate the effectiveness of embedded services to stakeholders,
"It could also ultimately promote help-seeking and guide decisions on funding and resource allocation."
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Veterinary practices are being urged to help owners safely dispose of any unused and expired pet medicines - not just antibiotics - during November's Animal Medicines Amnesty. 
