How Gen Z’s intensifying demand for mental health care affects campus resources

Student mental health has been a top concern for most colleges and universities in recent years. Demand for counseling center appointments grew five times faster than enrollment between 2009 and 2015. Most campuses have made investments in counseling center staff, but the frantic pace of hiring is unsustainable and still doesn’t meet demand.

Diagnosed major depressive episodes continue to rise in adolescents, increasing more than 30% between 2005-2015 . Suicide deaths increased 33% from 1999 to 2017, with the greatest rate of increase seen among adolescents and young adults. Girls appear especially vulnerable: suicide deaths for girls 10 to 14 years old increased 240% from 1999 to 2017.