53% of college students report mental health diagnosis: Study

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University of Michigan’s annual Healthy Minds Study surveyed 84,735 students from 135 U.S. colleges and universities during the 2024-2025 academic year. The results offer a detailed snapshot of student behavioral health, service and overall well-being. 

Here are seven key findings:

  1. Thirty-seven percent of students screened positive for moderate or severe depression symptoms. 
  1. Thirty-two percent of students met the criteria for moderate or severe anxiety. 
  1. Eleven percent reported suicidal thoughts in the past year, and 25% reported nonsuicidal  self injury. 
  1. Fifty-three percent had been diagnosed with a mental health disorder at some point in their lives. 
  1. Thirty-seven percent received therapy or counseling in the past year, and 30% used psychiatric medication in the past year. 
  1. Sixty percent of students who screened positive for depression and anxiety received therapy and/or psychiatric medication. 
  1. Thirty-six percent achieved positive mental health, defined by a score of 48 or higher on the “Flourishing Scale,” an eight-item summary measure of self-perceived success in areas including relationships, self-esteem, purpose and optimism.

At the Becker's Fall Behavioral Health Summit, taking place November 4–5 in Chicago, behavioral health leaders and executives will explore strategies for expanding access to care, integrating services, addressing workforce challenges and leveraging innovation to improve outcomes across the behavioral health continuum. Apply for complimentary registration now.

Register to Attend Webinar

Caring for the caregivers: How health systems are building benefits strategies with mental health at the core

Wednesday, August 12
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM CDT

Presenters: Mark DeFee, Lyra HealthDeborah Visconi, Bergen New Bridge Medical CenterSuneel Kumar Parvathareddy, MD, Advocate/Atrium Health Wilkes Medical CenterEric Parmenter, Quantum HealthMary Beth Lardazabal, DO, DFAPA, Allina Health

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