Lawmaker seeks comprehensive mental health services for college students

A bill providing mental health services for college students has been filed in the House of Representatives.

Quezon City Representative Patrick Michael "PM" Vargas filed the measure under House Bill 3397 or the Campus Mental Health Improvement Act.

“Most policies zero-in on children in basic education, but many of those learners eventually move on to college still carrying the scars of bullying. This is where policy should step in—at a stage when pressures get heavier and support becomes slimmer,” Vargas said.

Aside from expanding mental and behavioral health services in colleges and universities, House Bill 3397 provides for:

• training for faculty, staff, and student leaders to detect and respond to mental health concerns; and
• embedding awareness campaigns to fight stigma and encourage help-seeking behaviors on campuses.

“Bullying victims do not simply outgrow their trauma once they graduate from high school,” Vargas added.

He said that based on Department of Education (DepEd) records, in school year 2021–2022 alone there were 404 student suicides and 2,147 suicide attempts. Furthermore, only 2% of schools nationwide have fully functioning Child Protection Committees.

“Our laws need to catch up—so every student, at whatever stage of learning, has access to the care they need. Healthy, resilient college students grow into stronger professionals and citizens,” Vargas added. — BM, GMA Integrated News