A new study from the University of Missouri reveals that embedded counseling services significantly reduce psychological distress among veterinary trainees, offering crucial insights for mental health support.
A new study from the University of Missouri has demonstrated that embedded counseling services not only enhance access to mental health care but also significantly reduce psychological distress among veterinary trainees. This research, conducted by psychologists Kerry Karaffa, Tiffany Sanford-Martens and Anne Meyer, offers pivotal insights for mental health interventions across various educational settings.
“It’s the first study, as far as we know, to evaluate the effectiveness of mental health counseling for veterinary trainees,” Karaffa, a licensed psychologist at the Mizzou College of Veterinary Medicine, said in a news release.
The team conducted an extensive archival analysis of client data from 437 veterinary students, interns and residents at Mizzou who utilized embedded counseling services between 2016 and 2024.
The findings show significant improvements in psychological distress across a variety of conditions, including depression, anxiety, academic stress, eating concerns and substance use.
Additionally, the study sheds light on compounded challenges faced by veterinary trainees, such as financial stress, chronic health conditions and traumatic experiences, emphasizing the multifaceted nature of their mental health needs.
“These data suggest embedded counseling programs may enable veterinary students to manage their personal and academic challenges more effectively during their training,” Karaffa added.
Beyond Veterinary Medicine: Broader Implications
The research also compared the experiences and needs of veterinary trainees with other college students seeking counseling services, finding little difference on most metrics. This reinforces the potential for embedded counseling to support a wide range of students effectively.
Karaffa advocates for the broader implementation of clinical progress monitoring in embedded counseling models, suggesting it can refine mental health practices and improve resource allocation.
Published in the Journal of Veterinary Medical Education, this critical study not only impacts veterinary education but also offers a blueprint for mental health support systems in other fields, ensuring students receive the care they need to succeed both academically and personally.
By translating these insights into practice, educational institutions across various disciplines can enhance student well-being and academic success, fundamentally transforming mental health care in higher education.