Guidance and Counseling Strategies in Colleges for Student Mental Well-Being

Abstract

Mental health is a crucial component supporting student success during college. However, academic demands, adjustment processes, and psychological issues such as anxiety and overthinking can impact student mental health. This study investigates how guidance and counseling support student mental well-being. This study employed a literature review method, which involved reviewing various journal articles, books, and relevant scientific sources on student mental health and guidance and counseling services. Data were evaluated descriptively through identification, evaluation, comparison, and synthesis of previous research findings. The study's findings indicate that guidance and counseling services play a role in helping students overcome academic stress, overthinking, and anxiety through services such as individual counseling, group counseling, and peer tutoring. The study also indicated that service effectiveness is influenced by mental health literacy, university support, access to services, and reduced stigma surrounding counseling. Therefore, guidance and counseling services need to be strengthened by providing competent counselors, improving mental health education, and developing accessible services to optimally support student mental well-being.