Student Experiences Navigating Mental Health and Counseling Needs in a Rural Community

Siri Clocksin; Casey Mace Firebaugh; Tishra Beeson; Melody Madlem

doi:10.29333/ajqr/18035

Siri Clocksin ¹, Casey Mace Firebaugh ¹ ^* , Tishra Beeson ¹, Melody Madlem ¹

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AM J QUALITATIVE RES, Volume 10, Issue 2, pp. 264-278

https://doi.org/10.29333/ajqr/18035

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Abstract

This study applied a qualitative exploration of the experiences of university students navigating mental health and counseling needs within a rural county, Washington State community. The study uses data on mental health and counseling needs gathered from the local Community Health Assessment supplemental student focus groups (2023) and a survey of students living off campus (2021). The focus group (n=13) and survey data (n=372) provide insight into what barriers may constrain or facilitate students’ ability to meet their mental health and counseling needs. This study will utilize a specified research design, framework, and methodology to better5 understand the gaps, limitations, and effects of mental health counseling needs among college students in rural areas.

Keywords: Mental health, rural health, college students, counseling, community health assessment

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Citation

Clocksin, S., Firebaugh, C. M., Beeson, T., & Madlem, M. (2026). Student Experiences Navigating Mental Health and Counseling Needs in a Rural Community. American Journal of Qualitative Research, 10(2), 264-278. https://doi.org/10.29333/ajqr/18035

Clocksin, S., Firebaugh, C. M., Beeson, T., and Madlem, M. (2026). Student Experiences Navigating Mental Health and Counseling Needs in a Rural Community. American Journal of Qualitative Research, 10(2), pp. 264-278. https://doi.org/10.29333/ajqr/18035

Clocksin S, Firebaugh CM, Beeson T, Madlem M. Student Experiences Navigating Mental Health and Counseling Needs in a Rural Community. AM J QUALITATIVE RES. 2026;10(2), 264-278. https://doi.org/10.29333/ajqr/18035

Clocksin, Siri, Casey Mace Firebaugh, Tishra Beeson, and Melody Madlem. "Student Experiences Navigating Mental Health and Counseling Needs in a Rural Community". American Journal of Qualitative Research 2026 10 no. 2 (2026): 264-278. https://doi.org/10.29333/ajqr/18035

Clocksin, Siri et al. "Student Experiences Navigating Mental Health and Counseling Needs in a Rural Community". American Journal of Qualitative Research, vol. 10, no. 2, 2026, pp. 264-278. https://doi.org/10.29333/ajqr/18035

Clocksin S, Firebaugh CM, Beeson T, Madlem M. Student Experiences Navigating Mental Health and Counseling Needs in a Rural Community. AM J QUALITATIVE RES. 2026;10(2):264-78. https://doi.org/10.29333/ajqr/18035