Barriers to and Benefits of Mental Health Services in College Students with and without Depression, Anxiety, and Hazardous Alcohol Use

Abstract

ABSTRACT College students are at risk for mental health concerns and hazardous alcohol use, yet few access services. We examined perceived barriers to and benefits of mental health services utilization (MHSU) among college students with and without symptoms of depression, anxiety, and/or hazardous alcohol use. Second-year students (n = 756; 63.4% female, 76.3% White non-Hispanic) were asked about depression, anxiety, alcohol use, and perceived barriers to and benefits of MHSU. Approximately 20% of students reported depression symptoms, anxiety symptoms, and/or hazardous alcohol use. About 40% of students with mental health symptoms and 25% of students engaging in hazardous alcohol use reported MHSU. Cost was the most cited barrier (89.1%), while improved mental health was the most cited benefit (97.7%). Compared to males, females had greater odds of reporting cost, lack of insurance, and not knowing where to go for help as barriers and increased communication as a benefit. Students reporting depression or anxiety symptoms endorsed more barriers than students without symptoms, specifically discomfort sharing feelings with another person, wanting to handle problems on one’s own, and lack of insurance. Campus administrators and counseling centers may benefit from understanding specific perceived benefits and barriers among students to develop strategies for outreach.