Mental Health Care Access Among College Students

Authored by: Hanni Yang

Art by: Rachel Jacob

Good mental health is important for students to succeed whether it’s academically, build strong relationships, or to navigate the challenges. Without it, students may be struggling with concentration, decision-making, and overall well-being, which can affect their grades, social life, and long-term health. Peer pressure, scholastic pressure, and the fact that they are away from home can all make it more difficult for college students to maintain their mental health. Despite the fact that more students are looking for help, many are still not receiving the care they require. According to studies, more students are suffering from anxiety, depression, or feeling overwhelmed compared to students from previous years [1]. This essay will examine the obstacles that college students face when trying to get mental health care and talk about some ways to make campus assistance better.

Researchers have found many reasons as to why students can’t access mental health support. Lipson, along with other researchers, discovered that from 2007 to 2017, the number of American college students who pursued mental health services nearly doubled. Though this is a sign that more people are concerned about mental health, it also puts a large amount of pressure on colleges to assist more students than they have in the past. T.S. Jaisoorya, a Professor of Psychiatry, discussed how most colleges have insufficient counselors or mental health professionals to support all the students who need assistance [2].

One of the main reasons why students do not get help is stigma. Stigma means feeling shame about something, and in this situation, there is shame in going to mental health counseling. Most students are afraid that other people will judge them or view them as weak. Some people internalize these attitudes, a phenomenon known as self-stigma, which occurs when a person accepts these negative ideas. According to a study led by Rebecca A. Vidourek, researchers discovered that stigma is usually one of the main reasons why students do not ask for help [3]. In fact, public stigma, how people typically present or talk about mental health, and personal stigma, the shame a person carries within themselves, both make it harder to acknowledge the problem and seek help. In addition, Vidourek discovered that colleges with higher stigma have lower rates of students who seek treatment [3]. Because of stigma, some students hide their struggles. They might suffer silently, avoid therapy, or refuse to ask for help, which can worsen their mental health problems in the long term.

Other than stigma, there are also some obstacles. Most students don't realize that they are feeling worse than normal stress. Some of them don’t know where to seek help on campus or what services are offered. Even if they do, some students don’t have the time or money. For college students, it’s normal for them not to have time to go to mental health support because they have to balance classes, jobs, and their social life. Counseling can also be expensive if their college doesn't offer enough financial aid.

While stigma and logistical challenges prevent students from seeking help, colleges can take steps to reduce these barriers and create a more supportive environment. A “supportive campus culture” would be one where students feel safe talking about their mental health, professors and staff are understanding, and there are clear pathways to get help. In a journal article, the researchers highlight their idea that campuses should incorporate mental health into all facets of university life [4]. This includes staff training, building resilient education infrastructure, and actively encouraging mental health. When mental health is discussed openly through events or classes, students will understand that they should prioritize mental health, which will reduce stigma and make help more accessible.

Technology can also play a significant role. Blanca S Pineda, a Research Project Manager for i4Health, explained how the utilization of digital mental health interventions (DMHIs), such as therapy apps, online chat counseling, or mood-tracking programs, can significantly help students who cannot visit a counselor in person [5]. These tools are generally cheaper, more accessible, and easier to use on electronic devices. For example, students can use apps that teach deep breathing, assist them in tracking how they’re doing, or connect them with a licensed therapist online. While these digital tools aren’t as useful as in-person therapy, they can be useful supplemental resources.

In conclusion, mental health problems are common among college students, yet there are numerous obstacles to getting help. Time, money, lack of information, and stigma are significant obstacles that keep students from receiving the care they require, which can affect their social relationships, mental health, and academic performance. Peer programs, online resources, and an open campus culture are some ways that colleges can support students. Taking care of your mental health is just as important as taking care of your physical health. When Cornell students feel supported and know that getting help is normal and possible, they are more likely to seek the help they need and can also take steps themselves to reduce stigma, support their peers, and promote a healthier campus community.

References

1. Lipson, S. K., Lattie, E. G., & Eisenberg, D. (2018, November 8). Increased Rates of Mental Health Service Utilization by U.S. College Students: 10-Year Population-Level Trends (2007–2017). Psychiatric Services, 70(1). 10.1176/appi.ps.201800332

2. Jaisoorya, T. (2021, November). A case for college mental health services. Indian Journal of Medical Research, 154(5). 10.4103/ijmr.IJMR_37_20

3. Vidourek, R. A., King, K. A., Nabors, L. A., & Merianos, A. L. (2014, October 24). Students' benefits and barriers to mental health help-seeking. Health Psychology and Behavioral Medicine, 2(1). 10.1080/21642850.2014.963586

4. Wiedermann, C. J., Barbieri, V., Plagg, B., Marino, P., Piccoliori, G., & Engl, A. (2023, May 14). Fortifying the Foundations: A Comprehensive Approach to Enhancing Mental Health Support in Educational Policies Amidst Crises. Fortifying the Foundations: A Comprehensive Approach to Enhancing Mental Health Support in Educational Policies Amidst Crises. Retrieved October 13, 2025, from https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10217808/

5. Pineda, B. S., Mejia, R., Qin, Y., Martinez, J., Delgadillo, L. G., & Muñoz, R. F. (2023, June 19). Updated taxonomy of digital mental health interventions: a conceptual framework. mHealth. Retrieved October 13, 2025, from https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10364001/