AUTHORS:
Aazi Ahmadi, Department of Counseling and Higher Education, University of North Texas
Jessica Gerthe, Department of Counseling, Montana State University
Elizabeth A. Prosek, Department of Educational Psychology, Counseling, and Special Education, The Pennsylvania State University
ABSTRACT:
International students constitute a diverse population in higher education whose experiences are shaped by cultural transitions, academic demands, immigration policies, discrimination, and language-related challenges. These factors may increase psychological distress while contributing to underutilization of mental health services. This conceptual article examines international students’ mental health concerns and advances narrative therapy as a culturally responsive framework for college counseling centers. Core narrative practices, therapeutic documentation, language considerations, and a case illustration are presented, with implications and limitations discussed for counseling practice.