As the mental health crisis on college campuses continues nationwide, Owens Community College is stepping up efforts to support students through its free counseling services. The services are available to all currently enrolled students, and demand for them has grown steadily in recent years.
Across the United States, students are facing more mental health struggles than ever before. The American Psychological Association (APA) reports that more than 60 percent of college students meet the criteria for at least one mental health condition, such as anxiety or depression.
The National Education Association (NEA) has also reported that counseling centers across the country are overwhelmed, with some students waiting weeks for an appointment.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has called mental health “a growing public health issue,” citing increased levels of anxiety and depression among young adults during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.
Mental Health America, a nonprofit that tracks mental health data, has noted that the number of young people experiencing severe depression has continued to rise each year.
Owens has attempted to make mental health care more accessible by providing free counseling at its campuses. Students at the Toledo campus can schedule appointments and access walk-in services. The Findlay campus offers scheduled sessions through email but does not yet have a walk-in option.
For many Owens students, the program is an important lifeline. One student, who asked to remain anonymous, described counseling as essential for their success both in and out of the classroom.
“I decided to use Owens because it is a free service that the school offers and my mental health was being affected,” the student said.
“I really needed some help getting through things.”
The student said scheduling appointments was fairly simple, though not always immediate.
“Scheduling was fairly easy — I sent them an email and scheduled,” the student
said.
“But the time it takes to hear back with the email process could be faster.”
Even with the wait, the student described the services as impactful.
“Yes, absolutely, it helped,” the student said.
“It’s really nice to have someone listen to you and your issues without someone putting their personal feelings in.”
Experts agree that accessible mental health care can make a difference in student success. The APA has warned that untreated mental health issues can affect academic performance, graduation rates and even long-term employment opportunities.
The NEA has said that faculty and staff across the country are seeing more students in crisis and are relying heavily on counseling centers for support.
For Owens students, one major benefit is cost. Unlike private counseling, which can cost $100 or more per session, Owens’s services are free. This removes a major barrier for students who may already be struggling financially.
Another benefit is convenience. Students can schedule sessions around their class schedules without needing to travel far from campus.
However, the difference between Toledo and Findlay campuses highlights a gap. Students in Findlay currently must email to set an appointment, while students in Toledo can use walk-in services.
“It would be great if the Findlay campus could have walk-in services like Toledo does,” the student said.
Nationwide, counseling services are adapting to similar concerns. Many colleges are adding telehealth options or group sessions to address wait times. According to the APA’s Monitor on Psychology, some institutions are integrating mental health resources into everyday campus life, such as classroom check-ins, peer-led support groups and 24/7 crisis hotlines.
Owens Community College, founded in 1965, serves thousands of students each year across its Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses. In addition to academic support, the college offers student success programs, career resources and wellness initiatives. Counseling services have become a more central part of campus life as awareness of mental health issues has grown.
Students say that while the service has been valuable, there is room for improvement. Faster response times, more flexible scheduling and expanded walk-in availability could help more students access care when they need it.
The NEA has pointed out that one challenge for colleges is balancing limited resources with growing demand. Some campuses across the country are hiring more counselors, while others are building peer support programs. Owens, with its free services, is already providing a foundation, but students and faculty acknowledge the need for future growth.
Looking ahead, the expansion of walk-in services to the Findlay campus may be a natural next step. Doing so would put Owens in line with many other colleges that are increasing access points to reduce stigma and encourage students to seek help before crises escalate.
Mental health remains one of the most pressing issues for college students nationwide, and institutions like Owens are at the front lines of the response. By investing in counseling, the college is not just addressing immediate concerns but also supporting student success in the classroom and beyond.
As one Owens student put it, counseling isn’t about having all the answers — it’s about being heard.
“It’s really nice to just have someone listen,” the student said.