Supporting Mental Health at Kansas City University: A Holistic Approach
At Kansas City University (KCU), student wellness is a top priority, and the University has implemented a range of services to ensure that students have the mental health support they need to thrive. From the moment students step on campus, they are welcomed into a community that not only challenges them academically but also provides essential resources to help them navigate the pressures of higher education.
Carlton Abner, DNP, KCU’s associate provost for campus health and wellness, leads the charge in making sure students have access to mental health services. “I think KCU is doing a great job of providing both clinical and subclinical support for our students,” he said. “Our THRIVE program is a cornerstone of that effort, aimed at building resilience and offering students the tools they need to get through a demanding academic program.”
The THRIVE Program: Building Resilience and Connections
The THRIVE program at KCU was made possible by a $1.6 million grant from the Health Resources and Services Administration, making KCU the only institution in Missouri to receive this funding. As Abner describes it, THRIVE consists of two key components: curriculum and connections.
During orientation, all first-year students participate in resilience training as part of the THRIVE curriculum. "We deliver content aimed at building their resilience, providing them with coping skills and helping them weather the storm of medical school," says Abner. These lessons prepare students not just for the rigors of academic life but also for managing stress and maintaining their mental health.
The second component focuses on building connections. "We even emphasize that during our curriculum delivery," Abner said, "where the back half of our day involves yard games, letting students hang out and get to know one another." The idea is to help students build their support networks from day one, giving them a group of peers they can rely on throughout their time at KCU.
In addition to orientation week, the THRIVE program continues throughout the year with monthly wellness events planned in collaboration with the Employee Wellness Council and Student Wellness Council. These events give students ongoing opportunities to connect with one another and refresh their resilience skills during key points in the semester.
Access to Counseling Services
For students who need more targeted mental health support, KCU provides access to clinical resources, including six full-time counselors and a virtual behavioral health program called Timely Care. This service offers both counseling and virtual medical appointments, ensuring that students can get help when they need it, even outside of regular office hours.
A Changing Culture of Mental Health
One of the most significant shifts Abner has observed is how students today are more open about seeking help compared to previous generations. "Gen Z is much more vocal about their mental health needs," he says. "They are not playing the game of climbing the ladder at the expense of their well-being. If they need a mental health day, they take it, and they're not ashamed to say so."
This shift in mindset has led to more students utilizing KCU’s mental health services, and the stigma that previous generations felt around seeking help has significantly lessened. However, Abner also notes that the social maturity of Gen Z students can sometimes lag behind due to an emphasis on technology from birth, which makes building strong, in-person connections even more critical.
Looking Ahead: Expanding Support for Faculty and Staff
While KCU’s focus has been on student wellness, Abner emphasizes the importance of supporting faculty and staff as well. “We can’t take care of the students unless we are taking care of the people who are taking care of the students,” he says. Moving forward, KCU plans to expand its wellness programs to ensure that faculty and staff are equipped to handle the unique challenges of working with today’s students.
KCU is committed to fostering a culture where mental health is prioritized, and the THRIVE program is just one example of how the university is making a difference. By providing resources that help students build resilience, stay connected and access counseling when needed, KCU is setting the standard for mental health support in higher education.
Take the Next Step
To learn more about KCU's mental health services and how we support our students' success, visit our wellness page or apply today to become part of a medical community that values your well-being just as much as your academic achievements. Your future at KCU starts with a strong foundation for both your education and your mental health.
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