Nearly half of college students report experiencing overwhelming anxiety, and more than one in three struggle with depression severe enough to impact their academic performance, as noted by NEA. Rising tuition costs, job insecurity, social isolation, and the aftereffects of the COVID-19 pandemic, NEA reveals, have all contributed to increasing rates of anxiety, depression, and burnout among students.
According to the Healthy Minds Study, nearly half of college students report feeling overwhelming anxiety, and more than one in three report experiencing depression severe enough to impact their academic performance. Despite these alarming numbers, access to mental health resources on college campuses remains inconsistent and, in many cases, insufficient to meet student demand.
Most colleges offer some form of mental health support through counseling centers, wellness programs, or student health services. These resources are intended to provide students with coping strategies, emotional support, and crisis intervention when needed. However, at many colleges nationwide, students report long wait times, limited session availability, or difficulty navigating the process for receiving help, according to the Healthy Minds Study.
Vickie Heck, Director of Counseling at Owens Community College, explained, “At Owens Community College, we provide a wide range of mental health services to support our students. This includes individual counseling sessions, group counseling, wellness consultations, and support through our Walk-in Wednesdays. We also offer 24/7 online resources like Talk Campus and Thriving Campus so students can connect with people or licensed clinicians anytime, whether they’re on
campus or studying remotely.”
Heck continues, “Currently, we have a dedicated team, including myself and intern students, and we’re in the process of hiring an additional counselor to expand capacity. We can serve around 150 students per semester for ongoing counseling, and our initial appointment wait times are typically 1–2 days for urgent needs or up to a couple of weeks for standard sessions.”
Heck also noted that urgent cases are prioritized and after-hours procedures are in place for crises.
Even when services exist, accessibility remains a significant barrier. Counseling centers are often understaffed, with counselors managing overwhelming caseloads. As a result, students may be limited to only a handful of sessions per semester, regardless of the severity or complexity of their mental health concerns.
For students experiencing ongoing or chronic mental health conditions, this level of care may not be enough.
Financial barriers also play a significant role in limiting access to mental health care. While some campuses offer free counseling sessions, others charge fees after a certain number of visits or require students to rely on external providers through insurance. For students without adequate insurance coverage, off-campus mental health care can be prohibitively expensive.
However, at Owens Community College, counseling services are provided free of charge to enrolled students.
A student at Owens, who wishes to remain anonymous, shared, “It’s very easy to get a session with a counselor. They helped me with my anxiety at the new school and midterms. They are there to help you in every way possible.”
Stigma surrounding mental health further complicates the issue. Many students hesitate to seek help due to fear of judgment, concerns about confidentiality, or the belief that their struggles are not “serious enough” to warrant professional attention. This hesitation can delay treatment and worsen mental health outcomes over time.
Another student, who also wishes to remain anonymous, described why many hesitate to seek help. “I think a lot of students don’t use campus mental health resources because there’s still this quiet stigma around it. Even though people say they support mental health, it can still feel embarrassing to say you’re struggling. Some students worry that others will see them differently or think they can’t handle college.”
Colleges often promote self-care initiatives, workshops, and online tools as alternatives or supplements to counseling. While these resources can be helpful, they are not substitutes for consistent, individualized mental health care. Students in crisis need timely access to trained professionals, not just informational materials or wellness emails.
Mental health is foundational to student success. Without adequate support, students may experience declining academic performance, increased dropout rates, and long-term emotional consequences. Colleges have a responsibility to ensure that mental health resources are not only available but also accessible, affordable, and responsive to student needs.
As mental health challenges continue to rise among college students, the effectiveness of campus mental health services must be critically examined. Addressing gaps in access and expanding support systems is not just a matter of student well-being; it is essential to the future of higher education itself.
