Key points:
- More than half of all U.S. college students are enrolled in online courses
- Science-backed scalable tools improve student mental health
- Many students struggle, but few use mental health resources
- For more news on mental health, visit eCN’s Student Success & Well-Being hub
An overwhelming majority (82.58 percent) of faculty, staff, and administrators working with online students have seen an increase in demand for mental health support over the past academic year, according to a global survey of higher education professionals released by the Online Learning Consortium and teletherapy provider Uwill.
These findings underscore the critical importance of expanding online mental health support in an era where more than half of all U.S. college students are enrolled in online courses.
“More students are taking online courses than at any time in our history. At the same time, a deepening crisis of student mental health and an epidemic of digital isolation and loneliness are creating challenges that affect online learners in unique and profound ways,” said Michael London, founder and CEO of Uwill. “This data adds to our understanding of how mental health challenges manifest in the online environment–and the role that online faculty and staff play as first responders. We hope the findings shed new light on the issue as online programs work to center mental health and well-being in the online experience.”
The survey of 338 instructors, staff, and administrators at colleges and universities gauged the perspectives of higher education professionals on a range of issues related to online student mental health and well-being. In the 2022-23 academic year, approximately 53 percent of all students were enrolled in at least one online course.
According to the survey, more than 70 percent of respondents (71.75 percent) said that online students occasionally, frequently, or very frequently reach out regarding mental health concerns. More than 50 percent (54.79 percent) noted a lack of services tailored to online student needs. More than two-thirds noted online students have access to onsite counseling (66.67 percent), while only 39.19 percent mentioned teletherapy.
Due to state licensing restrictions, on-site counseling options are often limited or unavailable to students enrolled in programs outside their state of residence. While most on-site counseling services operate during traditional business hours, the vast majority of online students are more likely to work full- or part-time and seek support outside of standard working hours as they balance the demands of work, academics and family commitments.
“To make good on the full promise of online education, we must recognize and address the profound intersection between mental health and student success,” said Jennifer Mathes, CEO of OLC. “Even with the rising incidence of serious mental health challenges, online faculty and staff clearly can play a critical role in building thriving online student communities that prioritize and support mental health and well-being.”
Other findings from the survey include:
● Faculty and staff as online mental health first responders. Despite a significant number who report contact with students about mental health issues, a troubling percentage of faculty and staff do not feel adequately prepared to serve as mental health first responders. More than a third (37.44 percent) felt inadequately or very inadequately trained to recognize and respond to mental health issues with online students.
● Need for additional training and professional development. Based on increased demand for support, an overwhelming majority (83.25 percent) expressed a high level of interest in receiving additional training on how to support the mental well-being of online students.
● Awareness, availability and access as barriers. Nearly two-thirds (62.1 percent) of respondents said that time constraints have a significant to very significant effect on hindering access to mental health services for online students. Other common issues observed by faculty and staff included limited awareness of available services (58.64 percent), a lack of services tailored to online student needs (54.79 percent), financial constraints/ insurance coverage (46.29 percent), lack of services in general (45.66 percent), and limited appointment availability (44.75 percent).
● Students not satisfied with mental health and wellness support. More than 30 percent (34.83 percent) believe students are not satisfied with the mental health services offered by their institution.
This press release originally appeared online.
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