Students
Demand Rising for Mental Health Services on Campus
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Mar 27, 2007 - 3:42:22 PM

Demand Rising for Mental Health Services on Campus

As College Responses Roll in, Parents and Students Urged to Weigh Mental Health Services Offered

(HealthNewsDigest.com) - SILVER SPRING, Md., March 27 -- College students across the country are needing and using mental health services in increasing numbers, according to a new study released today by the Anxiety Disorders Association of America (ADAA). Most schools offer a wide variety of mental health services, however, many schools do not offer specific services to treat anxiety disorders, the most frequently diagnosed mental illness in children and teens, and do not have the staff to respond to the growing demand for services.

Anxiety Disorders on Campus: The Growing Need for College Mental Health Services, available at http://www.adaa.org/, is an analysis of counseling and mental health services available at America's top colleges and universities.

Anxiety disorders are a unique group of illnesses that fill people's lives with persistent, excessive and unreasonable anxiety, worry and fear. They include generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), panic disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), social anxiety disorder (SAD) and specific phobias. Left untreated, anxiety disorders can interfere significantly in a student's personal life and academic success as well as increase an individual's risk for depression and suicide.

Being away at college is often the first opportunity for young adults to take full responsibility for their time, studies, social life, health and overall well-being. ADAA President & CEO Jerilyn Ross, MA, LICSW says, "Students suffering from an anxiety disorder may not recognize that they have a real, serious and treatable disorder. Colleges need to expand the scope of their services to meet the needs of students with anxiety disorders."

Most counseling centers reported recent increases in services utilized. They noted the following trends: schools are seeing a growing number of students coming to college with a history of mental illness and already taking psychiatric medications, increased anxiety after 9/11 and heightened awareness of mental health issues.

While the ADAA survey showed that most schools offer crisis intervention, individual counseling and referrals to community resources, the approach is "one size fits all" and not specific to the varying needs of students. In addition, some schools limit the number of counseling sessions available at no cost, making it difficult, if not impossible for many students suffering from an anxiety disorder to get the help they need.

The new report, released today as part of ADAA's 27th Annual Conference in St. Louis, Missouri contains information on:

-- Counseling Services;
-- Facilities for Mental Health Services on Campus;
-- Crisis Resources Including Suicide Hotlines;
-- Staffing Resources and Employment Trends; and
-- Mental Health Education for Faculty, Staff and Students.

ADAA offers the following tips for parents:
-- When helping your child select a college or university, the
availability of mental health services should be an important
consideration, particularly if your child has a preexisting mental health problem. Research the type and range of services offered at different schools before your child chooses a school, to be sure your child's needs will be met.
-- Speak to college representatives about what options are available to
youngsters who develop mental health problems after the school year
begins.
-- Be sure your child has sufficient information about available campus
mental health services to access them, if needed.
-- If you suspect your child is having a mental health problem or concern,
be prepared to pass on specific information about available campus help
and resources.
-- If problems or concerns arise, encourage your child to seek help as
soon as possible. Be patient if your child does not seek help
immediately, but don't give up.

About the Survey


ADAA successfully completed interviews with 83 schools in all, which were selected using the U.S. News & World Report Guide 2007 identifying the top 50 national universities and top 50 liberal arts colleges. Data were collected by auditing each school's website, and then following up with the counseling centers by telephone with a formal survey. ADAA gathered information about school type, setting and size; specifics of counseling services, such as type of services offered, size of counseling staff, cost to students and percentage of students using the centers. Schools interviewed were sent a copy of their responses for verification of accuracy. Most interviews were conducted with directors or assistant directors at the counseling centers.

About the ADAA

The ADAA is the only national, non-profit organization dedicated exclusively to promoting the early diagnosis, prevention and treatment of anxiety disorders. The aims of the Association are to promote professional and public awareness of anxiety disorders, stimulate research, increase the availability of treatment, and reduce the stigma surrounding anxiety disorders. To achieve these goals, the ADAA reaches out to clinicians, researchers and other healthcare professionals, as well as public policymakers, educators and consumers.

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