Published first on eCampusNews on July 27, 2027.

Key points:

• Universities cannot meet students’ growing mental health needs with an on-campus counseling center alone
• Back to campus: Addressing students’ mental health challenges
• Why campus mental health support is critical for students
• For more on student mental health, visit eCN’s Student Well-Being hub

Mental health has become one of the defining challenges on college campuses today. 

Among college students, 37 percent report moderate to severe depressive symptoms and 33 percent report moderate to severe anxiety. More than three-quarters (76 percent) of college students report moderate or high stress levels, and almost one-quarter (20.6 percent) experience significant psychological distress while on campus.

The campus mental health crisis is compounded by students’ lack of knowledge about available resources and how to access and pay for them. Many college students report receiving fewer mental health services than desired due to financial reasons (20 percent), not knowing where to go (14 percent), and difficulty securing an appointment (10 percent).

When students are struggling with mental health and face difficulties navigating benefits and care, negative outcomes can result. But universities cannot meet students’ growing mental health needs with an on-campus counseling center alone. This pervasive campus issue requires a unified solution that includes flexible, multi-tiered access to resources, proactive outreach and communication, and a robust, customized Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) to keep students visible, safe, and covered.

The 3-part mental health solution 

Higher education institutions face tight budgets today, and for many, loss of public funds have made allocating money to student health even tougher. In these cases, consider pursuing state and federal grants, partnering with local mental healthcare providers and programs, and seeking corporate sponsorships to offset rising benefits costs.  

Funding, of course, is only one aspect of mental health care accessibility. Here are three ways higher education institutions can support students with a comprehensive approach to on-campus mental health services:

1. Expanded and multi-tiered access

Without adequate on-campus and virtual resources, students are forced off-campus for mental health care. This can contribute to feelings of isolation and leave students less connected to their on-campus support system. 

Leverage telehealth mental health services as a primary option for students who are not in need of acute care to promote resource availability and accessibility.

Offer virtual peer networks where students can connect with peers who have experienced similar issues in a safe, monitored peer-to-peer program.

Constantly evaluate both in-person and virtual offerings for barriers that may inhibit a student’s ability to easily access and afford care on campus.

2. Proactive campus communication

Bridge the student knowledge gap by prioritizing high-visibility outreach campaigns that promote campus mental health resources, where to find them, and exactly how to use them.

Start communication with incoming students early—even months in advance of the new school year.

Once on campus, continue mental health resource guidance during orientation.

As the academic year progresses, use social media and in-person sessions to provide helpful tips and information about different mental health and wellness initiatives.

3. Customized student health insurance plan

Utilize a broad insurance network and partner with national carriers to ensure affordable, robust coverage options for your entire student body.

Work with your insurance broker to build a customized behavioral health network that’s designed specifically to reinforce existing on-campus resources while filling any gaps in care.

Seek out clinicians who are passionate about student mental health services. Consider focusing recruitment efforts for qualified mental health providers from university alumni and others who have a personal tie to your institution.

A more connected path to care

As student mental health needs continue to grow on campuses across the country, institutions have an opportunity to rethink how care is delivered and experienced. Through proactive communication, comprehensive access points, and customized health plans designed around campus life, colleges can create a seamless support system that helps students thrive through graduation. When students can seamlessly connect with the care they need, institutions create the conditions for stronger outcomes both inside and outside the classroom.