The Crisis in Student Mental Health: How Campuses are Adapting and Supporting a New Era of Well-being

With student mental health in a state of crisis, college campuses across the U.S. are rethinking their approach to providing support. The past decade has witnessed a sharp increase in demand for mental health services at colleges and universities, and this trend intensified as students faced the upheavals of the pandemic. Mental health care professionals on campuses are exploring new, multifaceted approaches to respond effectively to the needs of a generation grappling with unique challenges, from academic stress to social upheaval.

The Healthy Minds Study, a comprehensive survey on student mental health, found that over 60% of college students met the criteria for a mental health condition during the 2020-2021 school year. Another national survey by the American College Health Association reported that nearly three-quarters of students experienced moderate to severe psychological distress. For these students, the availability of adequate mental health support is essential—but the resources to meet this demand have been stretched thin.

Why Demand for Mental Health Services is Rising

Several factors contribute to the rising demand for mental health services on college campuses. Compared to previous generations, today’s students are more likely to have received mental health treatment before college, and social stigma surrounding mental health has decreased. This shift suggests that a larger, more diverse segment of society is entering higher education, carrying with them a wider range of mental health experiences and needs.

However, the transition to college life brings with it numerous stressors. Students often face an intense academic workload, new social dynamics, and increased financial pressure. Additionally, ongoing concerns about social justice, mass violence, and the lasting impacts of Covid-19 exacerbate mental health struggles. Recognizing these needs, campus leaders are beginning to view mental health through a holistic lens, understanding that it requires solutions that go beyond traditional therapy.

Rethinking the Counseling Center Model

For years, counseling centers have been the primary providers of mental health services on campuses. However, their capacity has not kept pace with the growing demand. Michael Gerard Mason, PhD, of the University of Virginia, points out that while his counseling center staff has tripled, hiring more staff alone cannot address the crisis fully. Many counseling centers now utilize a stepped-care model, in which resources are allocated based on the severity of the student’s needs. Students requiring the most intensive support are prioritized for counseling, while others are guided toward workshops or peer support options.

This model reflects a shift in how mental health services are perceived on campus. Psychologist Carla McCowan, PhD, of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, describes the change: “Initially, the focus was on hiring more clinicians, but we’ve realized that not every student needs individual therapy. Many just need to build resilience and coping skills.” Programs addressing academic stress, sleep management, and social connections are being incorporated as complements to one-on-one therapy, allowing more students to access appropriate support.

Faculty as “First Responders” in Mental Health

Faculty members, though hired to teach, are now also viewed as crucial in supporting student mental health. During the pandemic, many students saw faculty as their primary connection to the university. Psychologist Hideko Sera, PsyD, emphasizes that educators often become “first responders” who can identify early signs of distress among students.

To prepare faculty for this role, universities like the University of North Carolina have introduced Mental Health First Aid training, equipping staff with the skills to recognize distress and guide students toward resources. Programs such as Penn State’s Red Folder campaign offer materials that teach faculty to “recognize, respond, and refer,” encouraging them to note behavioral changes like missed assignments or changes in appearance. Faculty aren’t expected to be counselors but are trained to initiate supportive conversations and direct students to the right resources.

Johns Hopkins University, where students urged faculty to acknowledge significant events impacting the community, has worked with staff on ways to navigate difficult conversations. Embedding counselors within academic departments also allows faculty to refer students to accessible resources directly related to their fields of study, creating a more integrated support system.

Peer Counseling: Leveraging Student Connections

Peer counseling is emerging as a vital resource on many campuses, addressing the reality that students often turn to peers before seeking professional help. At the University of Virginia, Project Rise, a peer support initiative for Black students, provides culturally relevant mental health resources. Washington University in St. Louis also offers peer counseling through “Uncle Joe’s,” where students receive 100 hours of training to help peers manage issues ranging from academic stress to depression.

Peer counseling programs can ease the burden on traditional counseling centers while providing a level of connection and relatability that some students find reassuring. This approach, offering immediate, informal support, reflects the evolving needs of college students who may feel more comfortable seeking help from a peer than from a counselor.

Creating a Culture of Well-being on Campus

As campuses work to support student mental health, many institutions are embedding a culture of wellness into daily campus life. At Ohio State University, the Wellness App encourages students to create personalized wellness plans and share goals with friends. Instructors at Toronto Metropolitan University, meanwhile, have integrated psychology research into courses on student success, offering workshops on gratitude, time management, and healthy habits to improve resilience.

This shift also includes practical changes in classroom policies, such as flexible deadlines and “mental health days,” which provide students with more autonomy over their academic schedules. At Moraine Valley Community College, faculty member Shelita Shaw created assignments encouraging students to explore Chicago landmarks, fostering a sense of belonging and stress relief beyond academic requirements.

Expanding Crisis Resources and Reducing Stigma

For students in immediate crisis, many universities are expanding their resources. Penn State University, for example, provides a crisis line staffed by professionals prepared to intervene at any hour. Johns Hopkins University is piloting a behavioral health crisis support program where clinicians partner with public safety officers, ensuring a compassionate response to students experiencing mental health crises.

Less formal, counselor-led groups and wellness events, which reduce the stigma associated with seeking help, are also gaining popularity. Florida Gulf Coast University offers the “Bold Eagles” group, where men can openly discuss emotional health in a safe, supportive setting. These efforts contribute to a larger goal: normalizing mental health support and making it a visible, accessible part of campus life.

Looking Forward: Student Voices and Systemic Change

Student-led initiatives are playing a powerful role in mental health advocacy. At Morehouse College, the student group “Chill” works to amplify mental health needs and resources for students of color, engaging public officials to address disparities in support services. This advocacy underscores the importance of student voices in shaping policies that meet diverse needs.

Despite these strides, challenges remain. Students, faculty, and administrators agree that the demand for mental health support on campuses requires ongoing commitment and innovation. Without sustainable funding and broader systemic changes, the work to meet student mental health needs will remain an uphill battle.

This article has demonstrated that the well-being of students must be a shared responsibility. By fostering environments where mental health is prioritized, campuses can better equip students to thrive not just academically but holistically.