More than 6 in 10 (62%) young adults reported they or a friend or roommate experienced mental or behavioral health concerns in the past year, according to UnitedHealthcare’s fourth annual “Young Adult and College Student Behavioral Health Report” conducted by YouGov.
The report examines mental and behavioral health concerns among U.S. college students and young adults ages 18-28, as well as parents’ perceptions of those challenges.
The survey was conducted between Oct. 13-31 and included 2,031 respondents: 501 college students, 523 parents of college students, 502 young adults not enrolled in college and 505 parents of young adults not enrolled in college.
Here are five things to know:
- Sixty-nine percent of college students reported a mental or behavioral health concern in the past year, compared to 54% of young adults not enrolled in college — a 15-percentage point higher incidence than their peers.
- While 69% of students reported mental or behavioral health concerns, 43% of parents said they believed students experienced such issues.
- In the past year, 31% reported they or a friend or roommate used AI-based platforms for symptom exploration, information gathering or coping strategies.
- Among users, 26% turned to AI platforms for companionship, reassurance or emotional support, according to the report.
- Among young adults and college students who did not seek care, 25% cited cost as a reason.
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