Contact: Laura Osberger
lauraosberger@schev.edu
(804) 387-5191 (mobile)
The State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV) today released an analysis that examines mental health issues among college students, as well as an annual report on the success of Virginia’s Mental Health Workforce Pilot program.
The analysis “Breaking Point: Why College Students’ Mental Health Challenges Are Rising Again and the Solutions That Could Change Everything,” examines how student mental health challenges are trending in the wrong direction, and in many cases, becoming more severe and complex.
Recent surveys indicate that more than 1/3 of college students experienced moderate to severe depression and 70% experienced a mental health issue last year. Most alarmingly, researchers noted that suicidal ideation increased 154%.
Social media use, academic pressure, economic instability and lingering post-pandemic effects are some of the drivers for the increase. Rising tuition, student debt, housing instability and economic uncertainty are added pressures.
Some higher ed institutions are beginning to take proactive measures to tackle the issue, including expanded wellness centers, peer support programs and faculty training. Interestingly, technology is playing a positive role with nearly one-third of young adults using AI-based platforms for mental health support.
Higher Ed Mental Health Pilot Shows Continued Success
A mental health workforce pilot program at five Virginia universities continues to improve the ability to meet student demand for counseling and reduced staff burnout at counseling centers.
The Higher Education Mental Health Workforce Pilot 2026 Annual Report reviewed the ongoing impact of grants to five universities: Christopher Newport, George Mason, James Madison, Longwood and Radford. It found that within roughly three years, 14 grant-funded pre-licensed social workers or professional counselors served 2,224 students; completed more than 11,865 clinical hours; and obtained 23,299 hours of supervision. The report recommends expanding the program statewide.
