Mental Health Treatment for College Students on Campus: Evolving to Meet the Growing Need

Abstract

Higher education has traditionally promoted increased opportunities for young people to gain technical and occupational skills for personal advancement. Matriculation to postsecondary education often coincides with a developmental period associated with increased rates of behavioral health conditions, including major mental illness and substance use disorders. Studies have shown that rates during the past decade of both mental illness and treatment use are increasing in this group. Ideally, colleges and universities need to address the unique mental health needs of this growing population using evidenced-based approaches. Various evidence-informed models and novel interventions exist to help both students and schools prepare to meet these growing needs. Continued engagement and outreach to transition-age youth who may struggle with academic persistence for a multitude of reasons will be important to maintain diversity and equity in institutions of higher learning. [ Psychiatr Ann . 2022;52(6):232–237.]