Mental Health on College Campuses

Jim and Ralph follow up the conversation begun last week about the mental health crisis facing today’s college population. Expanded Counseling Services In response to rising mental health concerns among students, many colleges and universities have significantly expanded their counseling services. Traditionally limited in scope and capacity, campus counseling centers are now hiring more staff, including specialists trained to support students from marginalized backgrounds, such as LGBTQ+ or BIPOC individuals. One major shift is the increased use of teletherapy platforms like TimelyCare or UWill, which allow students to access professional mental health support remotely, often 24/7 and at no extra cost. These services help reduce barriers related to scheduling, stigma, or location. Additionally, many institutions are adopting a "stepped care" approach, where students begin with less intensive support—such as workshops, group therapy, or drop-in sessions—and progress to individual therapy if needed. Some colleges also provide same-day appointments and crisis intervention services to address urgent needs. However, challenges persist: demand still often exceeds capacity, with long wait times and budget constraints especially common at smaller or under-resourced schools. Peer Support Networks Peer support has become a vital component of campus mental health strategies, offering a low-cost, accessible, and relatable option for students who may be hesitant to seek professional help. Many colleges have developed student-run peer counseling programs, where trained undergraduate volunteers provide confidential, nonclinical support to their peers. These services—like Harvard’s Room 13 or Columbia’s Nightline—often operate in the evenings and focus on active listening, empathy, and referrals to campus resources. National organizations such as Active Minds also play a major role, with chapters at hundreds of schools hosting events to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and foster open conversations about mental health. Additionally, identity-based peer groups—such as those for LGBTQ+ students, first-generation students, or students of color—offer safe, affirming spaces where individuals can share experiences and build community. By empowering students to support one another, these networks help create a culture of care and connection, which is especially important in combatting isolation and normalizing help-seeking behavior. LEARN MORE -Link to UWill featuring mental health news: https://uwill.com/news/ -Here is a link to Harvard’s Room 13 program: https://calendar.college.harvard.edu/event/room_13_peer_counseling -988 Suicide prevention 24 hour hotline: https://www.michigan.gov/mdhhs/keep-mi-healthy/mentalhealth/crisis-and-access-line