Today’s college students are navigating unprecedented levels of stress and anxiety.
Academic pressures, financial uncertainty, growing personal responsibilities at home, and a rapidly changing social and political landscape are fueling concerns and apprehensions in the daily lives of college students.
This stress is taking a significant toll on student mental health, with students reporting mental health concerns at alarming rates. According to the 2024-2025 Healthy Minds Study, 37% of students screened positive for moderate or severe depression, while 33% tested positive for moderate or severe anxiety. A 2026 survey conducted by YouGov for UnitedHealthcare discovered that nearly 70% of college students experienced a mental health concern within the past 12 months.
In today’s era of extraordinary pressure, one-off mental health programs and touchpoints are a valuable starting point, but they are typically insufficient to make a lasting impact on student well-being. While students are increasingly aware of their mental health needs and more willing to ask for help, they need timely, accessible support that fits the realities of their daily lives.
Given their proximity to students, higher education institutions are well-positioned to make an impact on student mental health. To be most effective, they must go beyond providing basic mental health services. They must build a holistic approach to student wellness by strengthening partnerships between faculty, advisors, wellness professionals and community organizations. In doing so, colleges and universities can create a network of support that helps students stay engaged, persist through challenges, and ultimately succeed both academically and personally.
A comprehensive approach to student well-being requires both proactive support and accessible intervention. The following strategies can help institutions build a stronger, more responsive framework for student success.
1. Train faculty to recognize and respond to students in distress
Professors, advisors, coaches, and other staff and faculty members have direct daily access to students and are often the first individuals capable of spotting the signs of student mental health distress. It is crucial to train these individuals to recognize and respond to signs of distress among the students they serve. These signs can come in the form of an passing comment, consistently missed classes, a sudden decline in performance or social withdrawal. Once detected, faculty members must fully understand how and where to gently direct students toward the resources available to help them. This critical first line of support helps ensure students do not fall through the cracks and receive the help they need.
2. Leverage 24/7 virtual mental health resources to expand access to care
When a crisis strikes, mental health resources must be accessible to students when they need them. TimelyCare, Uwill and Mantra Health are three organizations that provide customized digital mental health and wellness solutions specifically tailored for college and university campuses. It’s important to offer more than a hotline. Affordable access to licensed clinicians, including psychiatrists, is essential. These professionals, especially psychiatrists, are in extremely high demand and are often difficult to find for the average individual. Universities should also consider providing free sessions with licensed professionals to make these services even more accessible.
3. Integrate holistic student well-being services
Before a student can improve their mental health, they must first ensure all of their basic needs are being met. Wellness extends far beyond just a student’s mental health, and higher education institutions are uniquely equipped to help with all areas of a student’s well-being. Food insecurity is one of the most impactful areas to provide support. By offering food assistance, students can rest assured that their families will never go hungry. Colleges should also provide student resource coaches to work with students one-on-one to understand their specific challenges and goals. Whether students are facing financial stress, housing insecurity, or transportation challenges, these coaches can connect them with resources and support. Also, students may need help navigating the landscape of public benefits, which can often be overwhelming and confusing. With the right guidance, students can access resources and benefits they may not otherwise know are available.
A well-rounded approach
Supporting student mental health requires more than expanding counseling services. By equipping faculty to recognize signs of distress, increasing access to timely virtual care and addressing the broader challenges that impact well-being, colleges and universities can create a culture of support that helps students thrive. When institutions take a holistic approach to wellness, they are better positioned to meet students where they are, strengthen academic success and foster healthier, more resilient campus communities.
Nichole Kang, Ph.D., is Director of Wellness Services at Montgomery County Community College.
Ally Arthur, M.S., is Manager of Wellness Services at Montgomery County Community College.
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