Suicide is the third leading cause of death among persons aged 15-24 years, many of whom are just starting college or on the cusp of graduating. And, it is the second leading cause of death among persons aged 25-34 years.

The problem is so pervasive that Montana State University’s Counseling and Psychological Services, or CPS, is expanding its suicide prevention resources and mental health outreach services. The bolstered services are made possible with a three-year, $248,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.

The need for such services is great, said Brian Kassar, a psychologist and outreach coordinator at CPS. Sixty percent of the students enrolled at MSU are ages 15-34.

“Despite Counseling and Psychological Services’ best efforts over the years to provide training, awareness of mental health resources and prevention programming, suicide remains a very serious issue on our campus and on campuses across the country,” Kassar said. “Providing additional resources could make a significant difference in the lives of many of our students.”

Counseling and Psychological Services at MSU provides free and confidential counseling, as well as outreach and prevention services to all students. During the last academic year, CPS provided free clinical services to more than 1,300 students.

Suicide is not unique to college campuses. For more than 30 years, Montana has had one of the highest suicide rates in the nation. This year is no different.

Based on 2011 statistics, the most current numbers available, Montana — along with Wyoming — recorded the highest suicide rate in the nation, recording 232 suicides in 2011, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This is twice the national rate.

So far this year, there have been at least 95 confirmed suicides in Montana.

“Suicide prevention and mental health outreach services are extremely important to the well-being of thousands of MSU students,” said CPS Director Patrick Donahoe. “For years, Counseling and Psychological Services has provided these services to MSU students, and we’re very pleased that this grant will enable us to expand and increase the services we offer.”

Karl Rosston, Montana’s suicide prevention coordinator, said he is thrilled at MSU’s efforts to expand its suicide prevention services.

“It’s a wonderful opportunity to pilot a program that, if successful, could be a great resource for colleges throughout the state,” Rosston said.

MSU’s expanded services are at least the second prevention effort on a Montana college campus. For the first time, suicide prevention is being taught to students enrolled in the Master of Physician Assistant Studies Program at Rocky Mountain College.

“There’s a lot of great stuff starting to happen around the state on this issue,” Rosston said.

The expanded services at MSU mark the second time in as many weeks that MSU has captured the spotlight for its mental health initiatives. Last week, MSU received approval from the Montana Board of Regents to launch a new, multidisciplinary center that is designed to help improve diagnosis and treatment of mental illness throughout Montana. The new MSU Center for Mental Health Research and Recovery will draw on MSU’s research efforts in neuroscience, electrical engineering, computer science, biochemistry, psychology and nursing, among other disciplines, to address mental health challenges in the state. The center will be paid for with public and private grants, contracts and gifts.