Mental Health Support for International Students

This chapter explores the mental health challenges faced by international students in higher education and how their unique experiences shape the support they need. While all students encounter stress and transition, international students must also navigate the complexities of acculturation often while managing academic pressure, social isolation, and cultural adjustment. Cultural perspectives on mental health and help-seeking can influence whether students reach out, how they describe distress, and what kind of support they trust. These nuances are crucial for professionals to understand when responding to students in crisis. Additionally, many international students are simultaneously grappling with the intersectionality of race, gender, and sexual orientation, layers of experience that can significantly impact well-being and academic success. This chapter offers a review as well as insight into these intersecting issues and provides guidance on creating culturally responsive, inclusive environments that promote mental health and belonging for international students.