UnitedHealthcare study: College students more likely to face mental health needs than parents think

College students report experiencing mental and behavioral health concerns more often than their parents are aware, according to a new study from UnitedHealthcare.

The insurer surveyed 1,034 people, split evenly between students currently enrolled in college and parents of college students. The report found that 41% of the students reported that they, a roommate or friend experienced depression in the past year. However, just 22% of the parents reported that their students experienced depression.

The study found similar gaps for other conditions. Eleven percent of the students reported that either they or someone close to them experienced an eating disorder in the past year, while just 5% of parents said their children had experienced such symptoms.

“It may not be surprising that some students and parents have different perceptions of the college experience, but this report demonstrates the need to create environments for ongoing meaningful conversations with these emerging adults,” said Donald Tavakoli, M.D., national medical director for behavioral health at UnitedHealthcare, in a press release.

The study also found that 13% of the students reported experiencing suicide ideation or intent, which echoes other data that find suicide risk is rising among adolescents and young adults. Just 4% of the parents surveyed said their child was struggling with suicide ideation or intent, according to the study.

The survey also found that students face multiple barriers to accessing behavioral health care when they do experience these symptoms. Sixty percent of the students said they, a friend or roommate did need help with a mental health concern but did not seek out care.

Of that group, 38% said they did not seek treatment because of cost, and 23% said they did not know where to find treatment or resources for behavioral health. In addition, 21% said it took too long for them to secure an appointment.

Nearly a third (31%) of all respondents said that they or their student did not know how to access services on campus or did not think behavioral health care was available. 

“We need to work with students to educate them on their options for mental and behavioral support," Tavakoli said. "Colleges, parents, health care providers and health plans all can play a role in supporting navigation to appropriate care.”

What can be done to address this challenge? For one, better outreach to students about the services that are available and how to access them is crucial. The report also recommends insurers and universities do more to make students aware about health coverage that's available, either through student plans or family coverage, which could boost access to virtual behavioral health and other services they could use when necessary.

Education also entails doing more to address concerns about cost and the availability of appointments, arming students with more information to ensure they can access care.

“Recognizing that college students may be facing more than just stress about schoolwork is an important first step in encouraging dialogue and increasing support. It’s critical that colleges, families, providers and health plans work together to provide resources and support to students where and when they need it,” Tavakoli said.

If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts or need help for a friend or loved one, call the national Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988 to receive professional, confidential support 24 hours a day, seven days per week.