Design Opportunities for International Students' Mental Health Management: An Interview Study with University Counselors

As mental health influences many aspects of the college student's life, including academic performance and interpersonal relationships, it has become an area of interest at many American universities. Previous studies have highlighted the benefits of technology-mediated mental health support tools, such as low cost and anonymity - benefits that are often missing in traditional face-to-face therapy sessions. However, existing interventions are built for individuals in mainstream cultures, and do not address cultural differences and diversity of marginalized students. This study explores mental health counselors' experiences with international students in a major research university in the United States. Through semi-structured interviews with 7 mental health counselors, the study discusses the design implications, including the importance of focusing on factors that students can control and helping students to be their genuine selves without concerns of being judged. Identified factors will be applied to a design probe study with international students.