Study on Mental Health Service Utilization Among U.S. College Students
Overview of the Study
A recent study investigated the rates at which college students in the United States utilize mental health services, alongside various explanatory factors. Despite the availability of these services, there is growing concern that they may not adequately meet the needs of the student population. Current estimates suggest that one in three students qualifies for a mental health disorder, raising questions about whether existing resources can handle the increasing demand.
Research Methodology
Researchers analyzed data from the Healthy Mind Study, a comprehensive national survey that evaluates the mental health of students across the country. The findings were published in *Psychiatric Services in Advance* and included data from over 155,000 students across 196 campuses, with samples capped at 4,000 students per institution.
Increase in Mental Health Diagnosis and Treatment
Rising Rates of Mental Health Issues
The study revealed a significant rise in mental health challenges among students. Specifically, 26.9% of participants received a positive diagnosis for depression, and 8.2% reported experiencing suicidal thoughts. Both suicidal ideation and depression rates have continued to escalate over the past decade.
Utilization of Mental Health Services
The utilization of mental health services has also surged during this time. Treatment rates among college students rose from 18.7% to nearly 33.8% by 2017, encompassing both counseling and medication. The proportion of diagnosed psychopathology increased from 21.9% in 2007 to 35.5% in 2017, reflecting a broader trend in the diagnosis and treatment of depression.
Additionally, the percentage of students utilizing mental health services at their institutions rose from 6.6% to 11.8%. This doubling of demand for mental health treatment has placed considerable strain on the resources available at colleges.
Reduction in Mental Health Stigma
Declining Levels of Stigma
Another significant finding of the study was the reduction of stigma associated with mental health issues among college students. Personal stigma decreased from 11.4% to 5.7%, while perceived stigma fell from 64.2% to 46.0%. This decline in stigma is hypothesized to be a key factor contributing to the increased use of mental health services, as previous research indicates that personal stigma often correlates with treatment-seeking behavior.
Implications for Mental Health Resources
Challenges Ahead
The findings suggest that the limited resources within college mental health centers may face growing challenges, as waitlist times increase and fewer students receive the necessary treatment. Although the study provides robust findings supported by a large sample size, it does not assess the quality of mental health services offered to students. Therefore, further research is essential to explore the specifics of these trends and identify potential solutions.
Reference
Lipson, Sarah Ketchen, et al. “Increased Rates of Mental Health Service Utilization by U.S. College Students: 10-Year Population-Level Trends (2007–2017).” *Psychiatric Services in Advance*, May 2018, doi:10.1176/appi.ps.201800332.