College Student Mental Health Statistics

Mental health issues have become a critical concern for college students.

As demands and pressures increase, many institutions report rising levels of stress, anxiety, and depression among students. 

This article provides a comprehensive look at the statistics surrounding mental health in higher education, the causes behind these challenges, and the resources that are becoming essential for young adults today.

An additional, sobering statistic underscores the urgency: suicide is now the second-leading cause of death among college students, with around 1,100 students losing their lives each year. This statistic highlights the need for timely, accessible mental health support.

What Percentage of College Students Experience Mental Health Issues?

Approximately 76% of college students report moderate to severe psychological distress, according to the 2023 Healthy Minds Study. 

Anxiety and depression are the most common diagnoses, with 36% of students reporting anxiety and 28% experiencing depression. 

Meanwhile, loneliness and feelings of isolation affect around 53% of college students (American College Health Association, 2023).

These college student mental health statistics reveal an urgent need for accessible mental health resources on campuses. They also highlight the growing popularity of telehealth services, such as online therapy that accepts insurance and offers flexible support options for students.

What Are the Most Common Mental Health Conditions Among College Students?

The most prevalent mental health issues are:

• Anxiety: 36% of students report being diagnosed with it.
• Depression: Affects 28% of students.
• Trauma-related disorders (e.g., PTSD): 8% report trauma-related diagnoses.
• Eating disorders: 7% of students experience eating disorders like anorexia or bulimia.
• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): Obsessive-compulsive disorder affects 7% of students.

These conditions often disrupt daily life and academic performance, and for some students, untreated symptoms may lead to severe outcomes, including suicidal thoughts. This reality points to the importance of mental health services on campuses.

What Are the Main Causes of Mental Health Issues in College Students?

The leading causes of these issues include:

• Academic Pressure: Coursework and exams lead to high levels of stress, with around 88% of students experiencing academic distress.
• Financial Strain: 41% of students feel burdened by financial responsibilities, which contribute to anxiety and depression.
• Social Isolation: Approximately 53% report feeling isolated, particularly after COVID-19.
• Discrimination and Safety Concerns: Minority and LGBTQ+ students often face discrimination, with transgender students reporting particularly high levels of distress (Gallup/Lumina Foundation, 2023).  Additionally, antisemitic incidents on campuses have spiked by 700% since October 2023, further contributing to safety concerns and psychological distress.

How Do College Students Cope With Mental Health Issues?

To cope with mental health issues, many students turn to a combination of medication, therapy, and peer support. 

Nearly half (47%) use both medicine and therapy, while others may rely solely on therapy (26%) or medication (19%) to manage symptoms. 

Increasingly, colleges offer telehealth, online mental health services, and peer support programs to meet growing demands.

How Common is Anxiety Among College Students?

Anxiety affects about 36% of college students, making it the most prevalent mental health issue. 

Students with anxiety often experience difficulty concentrating, irritability, and disrupted sleep, which can impact their academic performance.

What Does Depression Look Like in College Students?

Depression, impacting 28% of students, can appear as persistent sadness, loss of interest in daily activities, and difficulty focusing on studies. 

This condition is particularly concerning as it can delay academic progress, with 5% of students reporting that depression has affected their graduation timeline.

How Do College Students Manage Social Isolation and Loneliness?

Loneliness affects about 53% of college students, particularly those transitioning from remote to in-person learning post-pandemic. 

Colleges are addressing this by promoting inclusive social spaces, peer counseling programs, and community-building events. 

Students who feel more socially connected report better overall mental health.

How Prevalent Are Trauma-Related Disorders Among College Students?

Around 8% of students are diagnosed with trauma-related disorders, such as post-traumatic stress disorder. 

PTSD can manifest in the form of intrusive memories, flashbacks, or nightmares related to traumatic events. 

These symptoms may lead to heightened anxiety, irritability, or avoidance of triggers, impacting academic performance and social relationships.

What Percentage of College Students Experience Stress?

A recent national survey indicates that the levels of depression and anxiety among college students are at an all-time high.

Stress is widespread among college students, with academic demands being a primary cause. 

Approximately 88% of students report moderate to high academic stress levels, while financial stress affects nearly 41% of students, often balancing part-time work with coursework to manage rising tuition costs.

How Can College Students Manage Their Mental Health Effectively?

To navigate mental health challenges, students benefit from a mix of support services and proactive self-care.

• Therapy Services: On-campus counseling and telehealth offer accessible options, allowing students to prioritize mental health even with busy schedules.
• Peer Support Networks: Student-led groups provide shared experiences and support, building resilience through connection.
• Wellness Programs and Mental Health Education: Workshops on stress management, mindfulness, and mental health awareness empower students with lifelong tools for resilience. Learning these practices early can help students develop healthier coping strategies and encourage a proactive approach to mental well-being.

What Resources Are Available for Students Facing Financial Stress?

Financial aid offices, scholarships, and work-study programs can help alleviate financial strain. 

Many institutions also offer financial literacy programs to help students manage their budgets and reduce financial anxiety better.

How Does Social Isolation Impact Mental Health?

Social isolation is linked to increased rates of depression and anxiety, with about 53% of students reporting feelings of loneliness. 

Colleges are focusing on promoting inclusivity and connection through social spaces, peer counseling, and community-building initiatives to combat isolation.

How Does Discrimination Affect Mental Health?

Discrimination is another factor that can significantly impact mental health, especially among minority and LGBTQ+ students. 

For instance, 58% of transgender students report worsening mental health due to discrimination. Initiatives focused on culturally competent care are critical to providing equitable support.

What Mental Health Challenges Are Unique to LGBTQ+ Students?

For LGBTQ+ students, facing both subtle and overt forms of stigma can lead to academic challenges, with almost half reporting they feel disconnected from their studies due to mental health concerns.

Inclusive telehealth services and online therapy accepting insurance, offer non-judgmental support and are especially beneficial for these students (BestColleges, 2022).

Are There Racial Disparities in Mental Health Care Access?

Historically, students of color have encountered significant barriers to mental health care on college campuses, from financial constraints to limited access to culturally competent providers. Black and Latino students, in particular, may be less likely to seek help due to cost concerns, negative experiences with providers, and a lack of diversity among campus counselors. The 2023 Healthy Minds Study showed that Black, Latino, and Asian students are still less likely than their white peers to access services, despite experiencing similar or higher levels of psychological distress.

However, recent efforts are transforming mental health accessibility. Many universities now focus on cultural competency training and recruiting diverse counselors, making it easier for students to connect with providers who understand their unique backgrounds.

How Are Colleges Addressing the Growing Demand for Mental Health Services?

Colleges are investing in a variety of innovative resources, including:

• Online Counseling: Online mental health counseling offers students digital access to licensed therapists, ensuring flexible and personalized support options.

• Telehealth Platforms: Allowing students to access therapy from any location.
• Peer Support Programs: Training students to provide basic mental health support and refer peers to professionals.
• Wellness Apps and Smart Devices: Tools like the Oura ring help students track mental health metrics, while meditation apps such as Calm and Headspace provide real-time access to relaxation techniques and stress management resources.

What is the Role of Telehealth in Student Mental Health?

According to the Healthy Minds survey, over 60 percent of college students qualify for at least one mental health issue, reflecting a nearly 50 percent rise since 2013.

Telehealth therapy is increasingly vital for student mental health, giving students flexible, accessible ways to seek support beyond traditional counseling hours. Universities are partnering with teletherapy platforms, allowing students to access licensed counselors 24/7 and tap into wellness resources on demand.

​In addition to university partnerships, students can often use their health insurance to seek online therapy independently, further expanding their options for support. Some mental health counseling practices, like Manhattan Mental Health Counseling, accept insurance plans, enabling students to access therapy that fits their unique needs, whether on campus or through external, insured services. 

Conclusion

Addressing the mental health needs of college students is more critical than ever. The increasing prevalence of anxiety, depression, stress, and even suicidal thoughts among students underscores the depth of the current mental health crisis on campuses nationwide. Accessible, culturally competent, and flexible support options—like on-campus counseling and telehealth services that accept insurance—are vital for bridging these gaps and ensuring students have the help they need.

Creating supportive environments and prioritizing proactive mental health care are essential steps for empowering students to navigate their unique challenges and achieve academic success. 

If you’re ready to take charge of your mental well-being, Manhattan Mental Health Counseling is here to help. Our flexible, online therapy is tailored for the unique challenges college students face. With experienced therapists and broad insurance acceptance, we make quality, affordable support available when you need it most.

References

1. American College Health Association. American College Health Association-National College Health Assessment III: Undergraduate Student Reference Group Data Report Spring 2023. Silver Spring, MD: American College Health Association, Spring 2023.
2. Healthy Minds Network. Healthy Minds Study 2022-2023 Data Report. January 2023.
3. BestColleges. 2022 College Student Mental Health Report. May 2022.
4. Gallup/Lumina Foundation. Balancing Act: The Tradeoffs and Challenges Facing Black Students in Higher Education. February 2023.
5. CNBC Research. College Mental Health: Understanding and Addressing Student Needs in 2024. February 2024.