Dr. Ashraf joined Student Health at University of Southern California in November 2018 as Clinical Assistant Professor.  

She finished her adult psychiatry residency from Rush University Chicago in July 2018. During her training she focused on Women’s health, mood and substance use disorders. She was also involved in multiple pharmaceutical clinical trials for newer antidepressants including ketamine. She has also been part of medical student education in her residency and continues that in her work at Student’s health at USC.

 

Presentation Title:
"Mental Health Care For College Students"

 

Purpose:
There are approximately 20 million students in U.S. colleges and universities. According to the latest Association for University and College Counseling Center Directors survey, 70% of directors believe that the number of students with severe psychological problems on their campus has increased in the past year. However, 19 % of directors report the availability of psychiatric services on their campus is inadequate. This is a time when knowledge about the mental health needs of college students, the effect of mental health on academic performance, 
risk factors for depression and suicide and about interventions to improve mental health among college students.These developments have led to a knowledge, competency and practice gap for health professionals who see college students.  The purpose of this lecture is to narrow these gaps. 

 

Objectives: 

  • Summarize types of mental health problems commonly encountered by college students
  • Summarize current knowledge about sleep and depression describe the Collaborative model
  • List risk factors for suicide
  • Screen for and diagnose mental health disorders
  • Screen for risk factors for depression and suicide
  • Determine intervention and make referral for specific diagnoses
  • Perform counselling on stress reduction/mindfulness/sleep