Meeting the Escalating Demand for Mental Health Services

Demand for campus mental health services continues to grow with no signs of slowing. Higher education leaders recognize the high stakes associated with delayed access to mental health support. Students’ mental health concerns and access to treatment also impact key organizational goals, such as academic performance and retention.

Hiring additional staff is not a sustainable, long-term solution. Even well-resourced counseling centers struggle to keep pace with demand. To meet demand, colleges and universities must target interventions to key student segments and maximize existing resources.

In this study, EAB recommends campuses align resources with students’ varying levels of need and risk. Colleges and universities should pursue strategies that make the most of current campus and community resources.