Abstract
The mental health crisis among college students has been well-documented, with increasing rates of anxiety, depression, and other psychological distress. Online learners, in particular, face unique challenges related to social isolation, self-regulation, and access to mental health resources. Understanding mental health in the context of online education is critical due to the unique challenges posed by virtual learning environments (Saade et al., 2017; Kumari et al., 2021). This paper explores the importance of mental health support in higher education and proposes a three-level framework for integration: university-level, LMS-level, and course-level support. By addressing common concerns and utilizing a Universal Design for Learning (UDL) approach, educators can create inclusive and supportive online learning environments. A rubric for mental health-informed course design is also presented, offering practical strategies for faculty implementation.
Recommended Citation
Jones-Roberts, Charlotte A.
(2025)
"Holistic Support for Online Learners: A Framework for Mental Health Integration,"
FDLA Journal: Vol. 9, Article 29.
Available at:
https://nsuworks.nova.edu/fdla-journal/vol9/iss1/29
Included in
Online and Distance Education Commons, Teacher Education and Professional Development Commons