Editor’s Note: This is a guest commentary. The opinions do not necessarily reflect the views of the editorial board.
Mental health among college students has become an increasingly critical concern, demanding attention from both academic institutions and mental health professionals. Across campuses worldwide, rising rates of anxiety, depression, stress and burnout are increasingly affecting students. These challenges are impacting their academic performance, social lives and overall well-being. Recognizing that mental health challenges exist in nearly every environment, whether openly acknowledged or not, is an essential step toward addressing the problem. Awareness allows universities, researchers and practitioners to begin identifying the factors that contribute to the growing number of mental health concerns among college students. However, despite the growing availability of resources, many students still face barriers to accessing timely mental health care, revealing a gap between services offered and support received.
According to the American Council on Education, anxiety and depression are the most common mental health issues among college students. About 47% of students who were screened showed symptoms of anxiety or depression. Of those students, 46% reported receiving therapy or counseling in the past year. While nearly half of college students screened report symptoms of anxiety or depression, fewer than half of those students say they received therapy or counseling within the past year. This suggests that many students experiencing symptoms may not be accessing recent professional mental health support, highlighting a potential gap in timely care rather than a complete absence of help.
When dealing with mental health, especially in college, it is important to seek help from professionals if the burden becomes too hard to bear and begins to affect your everyday life and schoolwork. Many colleges offer a variety of resources to support students who may be going through a rough time or having difficulty transitioning to college life.
The American College Health Association identifies 171 active peer mental health support programs across 126 colleges and universities. These programs give students the opportunity to talk with trained peers who understand the challenges of college life and can offer support, guidance and referrals to additional resources when needed. Many of these programs also provide services outside of traditional counseling center hours.
These programs help fill important gaps in care for students who may need support during evenings, weekends or other times when counseling centers are closed. Students are encouraged to take advantage of these resources early. Reaching out for support through counseling services, peer programs or campus wellness initiatives can make a meaningful difference. These resources help students manage stress, maintain mental health and succeed academically.
Ithaca College has a health support system for any student who is in need of help with both mental or physical issues. If a student needs help, they can visit the Cayuga Health Center on campus, which is dedicated to serving every member of the college community who may need medical assistance.
Many services are available to benefit all students, whether they currently have a health problem or simply want to maintain their overall well-being. Ithaca College also offers a variety of therapy programs through the Center for Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) to support students with different needs and preferences. These services include one-on-one counseling for students who prefer a more private setting, as well as group therapy for those who feel more comfortable sharing their experiences with others who may be going through similar challenges. However, concerns have been raised about understaffing within CAPS, which may limit students’ ability to access timely care despite the wide range of services offered. As a result, students may face longer wait times, fewer available appointments, or need to seek support off campus, creating additional challenges in accessing support for those dealing with health challenges.
Mental health challenges can feel isolating, but students should remember that they are not alone and support is always available. Seeking help is not a sign of weakness but a step toward growth and self-care. Taking that first step to ask for help can make a powerful difference in a student’s college journey and overall well-being.