Rising Demand Continues for
Mental Health Services on Campus

Events on College Campuses Build Awareness
of Mental Health Issues

Recent events affecting students on college campuses have heightened awareness of mental health issues. College students across the country are making use of mental health services in increasing numbers, according to a report by the Anxiety Disorders Association of America (ADAA). Most schools offer a wide variety of mental health services, but many do not offer services specific to anxiety disorders, the most frequently diagnosed mental illness in children and teens, and do not have the staff to respond to the growing demand.

Anxiety Disorders on Campus: The Growing Need for College Mental Health Services is an analysis of counseling and mental health services available at America’s top colleges and universities. It contains information about counseling services, facilities for mental health services on campus, crisis resources such as suicide hotlines, staffing resources and employment trends, and mental health education for faculty, staff, and students.

Anxiety disorders are a unique group of illnesses that fill people’s lives with persistent, excessive, and unreasonable anxiety, worry, and fear. They include generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), panic disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), social anxiety disorder (SAD), and specific phobias. Left untreated, anxiety disorders can interfere significantly in a student’s personal life and academic success as well as increase an individual’s risk for depression and suicide.

Away From Home
Being away at college is often the first opportunity for young adults to take full responsibility for their time, studies, social life, health, and overall well-being. ADAA President & CEO Jerilyn Ross, MA, LICSW says, “Students suffering from an anxiety disorder may not recognize that they have a real, serious, and treatable disorder. Colleges need to expand the scope of their services to meet the needs of students with anxiety disorders.”

Most counseling centers have reported greater use of their services, noting that a growing number of incoming college students have a history of mental illness and are taking psychiatric medications.

The ADAA report shows that while most schools offer crisis intervention, individual counseling, and referrals to community resources, the approach is “one size fits all” and not specific to the varying needs of students. In addition, some schools limit the number of counseling sessions available at no cost, making it difficult, if not impossible for many students suffering from an anxiety disorder to get the help they need.

Tips for Parents
When helping your child select a college or university, consider the availability of mental health services, particularly if your child has a preexisting mental health problem. Research the type and range of services offered at different schools before your child chooses a school to make sure it can meet your child’s needs.

Speak to college representatives about the options available to students who develop mental health problems during the school year.

Make sure your child knows how to access mental health services available on campus.

If you suspect your child is having a mental health problem or concern, be prepared to give specific information about available campus help and resources.

If problems or concerns arise, encourage your child to seek help as soon as possible. Be patient if your child does not seek help immediately, but don’t give up.

About the Report
ADAA successfully completed interviews with 83 schools, which were selected using the U.S. News & World Report Guide 2007 identifying the top 50 national universities and top 50 liberal arts colleges. Data were collected by auditing each school’s website and following up with the counseling centers by telephone with a formal survey. ADAA gathered information about school type, setting, and size and specifics of counseling services, such as type of services offered, size of counseling staff, cost to students, and percentage of students using the centers. Schools interviewed received a copy of their responses for verification of accuracy. Most interviews were conducted with directors or assistant directors at the counseling centers.

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The Anxiety Disorders Association of America (ADAA) is the leading national, non-profit organization dedicated to the early diagnosis, treatment and cure of anxiety disorders. ADAA offers free educational information and resources on anxiety disorders, local treatment providers, self-help groups, self-tests, clinical trials and more. ADAA is the unified voice for anxiety disorders and promotes the message that anxiety disorders are real, serious and treatable.