A new report released this month by Uwill and NASPA revealed that 43% of student affairs professionals said “increased severity of mental health issues” is the greatest mental health challenge for their institutions.
According to the report, the professionals surveyed in September 2022 represent 150,000 college students nationwide.
“The findings of our research elicit mixed emotions from college leaders, students, and providers,” it said. “The stigma associated with students receiving therapy has decreased significantly, giving all members of the campus community reason to celebrate, however, this has led to unprecedented pressure on support systems for both students and staff.”
Although many colleges have already increased their financial commitment to student mental health, survey results indicate there is a growing need for more.
“Despite the passion and impressive efforts of campus leadership and counselors, student affairs professionals suggest that the most important action to improve college mental health involves building relationships with third-party solutions and a greater focus on teletherapy,” the report said.
Increasing severity of mental health issues was the top mental health concern for respondents, with the second being inability to meet student demand at 20%. Only 12% cited a lack of funding, followed by 6% who said current events and social issues were their biggest challenge, 5% who said student awareness of resources was the greatest challenge and 4% who said it was stigma.
Overall, 72% of respondents said the trajectory of mental health at their institutions had become worse over the past year. Most (65%) said it had gotten “somewhat worst” and 7% said it had gotten “much worse.”
However, 87% said they believe their institution’s president or provost prioritizes campus mental health. More than half (54%) said that their colleges utilized COVID-19 relief funding for mental health.
Some of the most significant causes of distress were personal and family life (76%), financial or debt related concerns (70%), diagnosed or reported mental health concerns (70%) and academic concerns (67%). Another 44% cited issues related to COVID-19, 44% cited basic needs and 36% cited other current events.
Higher education professionals said there has been some progress when it comes to mental health over the past five years. For example, 93% said students have become more comfortable with talking about their mental health and 0% said that availability to mental health services has greatly decreased.
Related
Related
