About the Episode
In this episode of After Further Consideration, part of Enrollify's DEI-focused Pulse Check series, hosts Dr. Cody Nielsen and Dr. Tomika Ferguson engage with Dr. Peter Cornish, Director of Counseling and Psychological Services at UC Berkeley. Dr. Cornish shares his unique approach to mental health services, the origins of his impactful work with StepCare 2.0, and his vision for transforming psychological services in higher education through a lens of equity, inclusion, and innovation.
Key Takeaways
- Mental Health as a Social and Economic Crisis
The mental health crisis on college campuses reflects broader social, economic, and spiritual issues that demand systemic solutions, not just clinical interventions. - The Power of Curiosity in Leadership
Cultivating curiosity allows leaders to move beyond defensiveness, enabling creative, inclusive solutions that honor diverse perspectives. - Synergistic Models for Mental Health
Higher education must leverage interdisciplinary and community-defined approaches to mental health, broadening the healing resources available to students beyond traditional counseling services. - Transformational Leadership through Reflection
Effective leadership requires self-awareness, the ability to recognize personal limits, and the courage to engage diverse voices in decision-making processes.
What Inspired Dr. Cornish’s Approach to Mental Health Services?
Dr. Cornish’s perspective is deeply influenced by his family’s experiences with neurodivergence and mental health challenges. Recognizing the deficit-focused nature of traditional mental health systems, he sought to develop solutions that celebrate individuals’ strengths and prioritize inclusive, community-centered care.
What Is StepCare 2.0?
StepCare 2.0 is a progressive mental health model developed by Dr. Cornish, emphasizing rapid access to care, interdisciplinary collaboration, and scalable interventions. The model has been successfully implemented across Canada and is being integrated into UC Berkeley’s services, where it continues to evolve through research and feedback.
How Does Higher Education Play a Role in Mental Health Transformation?
Dr. Cornish views higher education as an ideal environment for implementing synergistic mental health models. With access to diverse academic disciplines, creative resources, and innovative thinkers, universities can lead the way in redefining mental health care as a collaborative, inclusive process.
What Challenges Exist in Implementing Synergy-Focused Models?
Despite the potential for synergy, institutional risk aversion, credentialing barriers, and elitism often limit innovation in higher education. Overcoming these obstacles requires bold leadership, interdisciplinary collaboration, and a willingness to challenge traditional systems.
Practical Strategies for Higher Education Leaders
- Foster Curiosity
Encourage faculty, staff, and students to approach problems with curiosity, creating space for diverse perspectives and innovative solutions. - Expand Healing Resources
Broaden the scope of mental health services by integrating nontraditional healing methods, including those rooted in community-defined evidence, the humanities, and cultural traditions. - Invest in Diverse Skill Sets
Strengthen mental health services by hiring professionals with expertise in project management, communications, and interdisciplinary collaboration. - Adopt a Win-Win Mentality
Challenge binary thinking by seeking solutions that benefit all stakeholders, fostering a culture of inclusivity and shared success. - Embrace Transformational Leadership
Reflect on your leadership practices, acknowledge personal limits, and engage in ongoing learning to better support your teams and communities.
Series Description: “After Further Consideration,” is a DEI-focused series where hosts Dr. Cody Nielsen and Dr. Tomika Ferguson invite experienced change leaders both within and beyond higher education into conversations focused on responsive leadership, addressing campus crises, navigating institutional shifts, and fostering sustainable change all through the lens of equity and inclusion. Each episode dives into the experiences of those who have navigated challenges, gleaned invaluable lessons, and implemented innovative approaches to complex problems. Whether you're seeking actionable solutions or inspiration to drive positive and inclusive change, "After Further Consideration" offers a platform for dialogue, growth, and impactful leadership in higher education.
About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
AI for U is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network. If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too!
Some of our favorites include Generation AI and Mastering the Next.
Enrollify is made possible by Element451 — the next-generation AI student engagement platform helping institutions create meaningful and personalized interactions with students. Learn more at element451.com.
Attend the 2025 Engage Summit!
The Engage Summit is the premier conference for forward-thinking leaders and practitioners dedicated to exploring the transformative power of AI in education.
Explore the strategies and tools to step into the next generation of student engagement, supercharged by AI. You'll leave ready to deliver the most personalized digital engagement experience every step of the way.
👉🏻 Register now to secure your spot in Charlotte, NC, on June 24-25, 2025! Early bird registration ends February 1st.
.svg)
.svg)
