Mental Health Accommodations in College: Can a College Kick You Out For Mental Health?

As you are thinking ahead to your teenager starting college, you might have wondered how mental health accommodations work, especially if your child receives accommodations at their high school now or has in the past. I have had students in the past ask, "Can a college kick you out for mental health issues?" The short answer is complex and situational, but understanding the differences in accommodations between high school and college, what a supportive environment looks like, and how to be proactive can provide clarity and reassurance. Read below to discover how these three areas can lead to a smooth transition to college and success once your child is there.

Differences in Mental Health Accommodations in College vs. High School

In the United States, students are protected by federal laws such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. These laws prohibit discrimination based on disability, which includes mental health conditions. Under these regulations, colleges and universities must provide reasonable accommodations to students with documented disabilities, ensuring they have equal access to educational opportunities.

However, implementing these accommodations can differ significantly from the high school experience. In high school, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) ensures that students receive an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) or a 504 Plan, which includes detailed support tailored to the student's needs. High schools often take a more proactive role in identifying students needing assistance and coordinating their accommodations. 504 plans don't transfer to college; every college has its own documentation guidelines.

Summary of Differences Between HS & College

In contrast, college students must take the initiative to disclose their mental health conditions to the institution's disability services office and request accommodations. This process often involves providing medical documentation and working with college staff to determine appropriate adjustments.

Here are some key questions they might ask:

• How does this condition impact the student? 

• What problem situations can they attribute to the disability? 

• How have they modified tasks or environments to compensate for their condition in the past?

• What support services have they used in the past? 

• What adaptive or assistive technologies have been helpful in the past?

The good news is that college accommodations can be broader than high school accommodations. Colleges can think about your needs holistically - academic, housing, transportation, and recreation.

The accommodations you might be eligible for are determined by what the college is willing to do and how well you make your case that you need the accommodation(s). Oftentimes, there will be a bit of back and forth between the disabilities services office and your student. Common accommodations in college might include extended time on exams, reduced course loads, and access to counseling services. Don't wait until after your student has been admitted to contact the disability services office and find out what support they have for them - this step should be a piece of the research they are doing for all of the colleges they are applying to.

Can a College Dismiss You for Mental Health Issues?

While colleges are required to support students with mental health challenges, there are circumstances where a student might face dismissal. This typically occurs if a student poses a direct threat to themselves or others or if they cannot meet academic or behavioral standards despite accommodations. Colleges must balance the safety and well-being of the entire campus community with their obligation to support individual students.

In most cases, dismissal is a last resort. Colleges usually offer various interventions first, such as counseling, medical leave of absence, or additional support services. Students must communicate openly with campus mental health and disability services to explore all available options before reaching a point where dismissal is considered.

The Supportive Environment of Small Liberal Arts Colleges

The type of institution can significantly influence the level of support available to students with mental health challenges. Small liberal arts colleges often provide a more nurturing and personalized environment than larger universities. These institutions typically have lower student-to-faculty ratios, fostering closer relationships between students and professors. This close-knit community can be particularly beneficial for students with mental health diagnoses, as it allows for more individualized attention and support.

Furthermore, small liberal arts colleges often emphasize holistic education and well-being. Many of these schools integrate mental health awareness and resources into their campus culture, offering robust counseling services, wellness programs, and peer support groups. This proactive approach can help students manage their mental health more effectively and reduce the risk of crises that could lead to academic or personal difficulties. I wrote a recent blog post highlighting how small liberal arts colleges can provide more support and accommodations for students with mental health needs. You can find it here: https://www.edpathcoach.com/post/small-private-liberal-arts-schools-a-strong-option

Transitioning from High School to College

The transition from high school to college is a significant adjustment, especially for students with mental health challenges. Preparing for this transition involves understanding the differences in accommodation processes and advocating for oneself in a new environment. Here are some tips to help ease this transition:

1. Research Potential Colleges: Look for institutions known for their strong mental health support services. Visit campuses, talk to current students, and meet with disability services to understand what each college offers.

2. Document Your Needs: Ensure you have up-to-date medical documentation that outlines your mental health condition and recommended accommodations. This will be crucial when applying for support services in college.

3. Develop Self-Advocacy Skills: Unlike in high school, college students must proactively manage their accommodations and seek help when needed. Practice discussing your needs and advocating for yourself.

4. Utilize Campus Resources: Take advantage of the mental health resources available on campus, including counseling services, wellness centers, and student support groups. Building a support network can make a significant difference in your college experience.

5. Stay Connected: Maintain regular communication with family and friends to ensure you have a strong support system outside of college.

Check out my previous post about planning ahead for what mental health supports you will need: https://www.edpathcoach.com/post/where-do-i-start-to-figure-out-my-student-s-path-4-mental-health-supports-in-college. It also includes a free Self-Care in College Template that you can download to jumpstart your thinking.

Conclusion

While it is possible for a college to dismiss a student due to mental health issues, this is usually a last resort after all other support measures have been exhausted. Understanding your rights, the differences in accommodations from high school to college, and finding a supportive environment available can help your student navigate this complex landscape. With proper preparation and advocacy, students with mental health challenges can thrive in their college journey.

As always, I look forward to your conversations with your students, teens, and young adults. Let's make this journey joyful and transformative for them!

If you liked this post, I would be grateful if you clicked one of the socials below and shared it to help more parents guide their students down their educational path!

Do you have a Rising Senior? Download my Free Checklist for Rising Seniors to be Ready To Complete Their Common Application Over the Summer ➡️ Click the link here (Spoiler alert - high school counseling offices close over the summer)

Schedule a complimentary 30-minute call to kickstart your teen's journey today! Click the link here

Direct Links

Organization for Autism Research (college vs high school graphic): https://researchautism.org/blog/the-transition-to-college-changes-in-disability-supports/