General Education
College Student Mental Health is Improving!
A Student Story
I was working with a student a couple of weeks ago in preparation for the SAT. It was their last test, and after some silly mistakes, I could tell they were on the verge of tears.
The pressure on students is real, and this story isn’t unique. A huge part of our test prep programs focuses on managing test anxiety. Over the past 15 years, I’ve watched this issue grow and was concerned that it would continue ad infinitum. So when I came across new research showing college student mental health is improving, I had to take a closer look. Here’s what the latest data reveals and what still needs attention.
TL;DR
Read time: ~4 minutes
- Depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts among U.S. college students have decreased for the third year in a row
- Psychological well-being (“flourishing”) has slightly declined
- Access to mental health treatment remains steady, but barriers like cost and time persist
- Mental health gaps still affect certain student groups
- Faculty and staff are under pressure too, with high burnout rates
The Research Behind It
The Healthy Minds Study from the University of Michigan is one of the largest surveys on student mental health in the U.S.
Key details:
- Over 84,000 students
- 135 colleges and universities
- Focused on mental health trends, treatment, and overall well-being
Colleges use this data to improve support services and shape campus mental health policies.
What’s Getting Better
Across the board, students are reporting fewer symptoms of distress.
| Mental Health Measure | 2022 | 2025 |
| Severe depression | 23% | 18% |
| Moderate-to-severe depression | 44% | 37% |
| Moderate-to-severe anxiety | 37% | 32% |
| Suicidal thoughts (past year) | 15% | 11% |
| High loneliness | 58% | 52% |
These drops show meaningful improvement in student mental health.
But Thriving Is Still a Challenge
While fewer students are in crisis, fewer are thriving.
- In 2024, 38% reported “flourishing”
- In 2025, only 36% did
Even as symptoms improve, many students still don’t feel positive, optimistic, or emotionally strong.
Treatment Access Is Flat
Mental health treatment numbers have held steady.
- 37% received counseling or therapy
- 30% took psychiatric medication
- 60% of students with symptoms accessed some form of care
Top barriers to care:
- Lack of time
- Cost or financial strain
- Preference to handle issues alone
More students may feel better, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they’re getting more help.
Some Students Face Bigger Hurdles
Mental health improvements aren’t equal across all groups. Students from historically underserved backgrounds continue to face more challenges and less access.
Researchers suggest:
- Peer support groups based on identity or experience
- Mental health lessons built into classes
- Culturally aware counseling services
- Adapting emotional learning for college life
These strategies can make mental health support more inclusive.
Faculty and Staff Feel It Too
Faculty and staff play a major role in student support, but many are struggling themselves.
Out of more than 9,000 surveyed:
- 16% showed signs of depression
- 17% experienced anxiety
- 27% reported high burnout
Nearly half had mental health conversations with students, but many didn’t feel trained to help. Their well-being needs more attention too.
What Colleges Can Do
To keep improving mental health outcomes, institutions should:
- Offer more accessible, affordable counseling options
- Train staff to recognize and respond to signs of distress
- Support peer-led and digital tools for mental health
- Build emotional wellness into the first-year experience
- Track student data and adjust strategies as needed
Final Thoughts
This is real progress. Fewer students are reporting severe mental health struggles, and that’s something to celebrate. But it’s also a reminder that well-being isn’t just about avoiding crisis.
It’s about helping students build confidence, find purpose, and truly thrive. At Clayborne, we’ve seen how academic pressure affects mental health. We’re proud to help students prepare—not just for a test, but for long-term success and balance.
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