College students say they know that mental health is important and they are aware of where to find help on campus, but many still hesitate to use those resources, according to the 2025 Thriving College Student survey.
The survey, produced in partnership with American Campus Communities’ Hi, How Are You Project, shows a gap between awareness and action, and suggests colleges may need to make support easier to access.
Awareness is high, but comfort lags
According to the survey, nearly all students—93%—say mental health is an important part of overall well-being. Three-quarters say they could seek professional help if needed, and 71% know where to find free mental health information.
Still, many students feel uncomfortable using those resources:
- 42% of students say they do not feel comfortable talking about mental health
- 44% say fear of judgment discourages them from opening up or reaching out—particularly in peer settings.
“Students value mental health and know where to find help, but stigma and time barriers limit actions,” the report notes. For example, students largely view their residential communities as places to connect socially, but far fewer see them as sources of mental wellness support.
Residential communities feel social, but mental wellness help is harder to identify
The gap shows up clearly in residence halls and other campus communities, where students say social connection is common, but support is less visible. According to the survey:
- 77% of students say their residential community offers opportunities to engage socially.
- 33% believe their residential community can support their mental well-being.
- 41% are unsure whether mental health support exists where they live.
- 28% report feeling strongly connected to their residential community, while 39% say they feel little to no connection at all.
That lack of clarity may help explain why fewer students use on-campus counseling.
Students trust campus counseling, but fewer use it
The survey also shows a gap between trust in campus counseling services and actual use. While 73% of students say they trust mental health support at their school, only 18% report receiving services on campus.
In total, 55% of students say they have received professional treatment at some point—most often off-campus or online.
“Thriving students” are more likely to make time for treatment on campus
The survey defines a “thriving student” as one who reports stronger well-being, greater campus connection and fewer obstacles to seeking mental health support. These individuals are nearly twice as likely as struggling students to say they can find time for treatment (57% vs. 22%).
What the student mental health gap means for campus leaders
The report outlines several steps campus leaders can take to close the gap between awareness and action, especially in residential settings.
Guidance includes:
- Train staff and student leaders to serve as approachable “mental health allies” by giving them basic training on warning signs, supportive listening and how to refer students to campus resources.
- Make support more visible in residential communities. For example, share clear “how to get help” info in residence halls, housing emails/apps and move-in or floor meeting materials.
- Reduce stigma by normalizing mental health conversations in daily campus life. Use routine, non-crisis messaging and encouraging regular check-ins.
- Expand peer-to-peer education on how to help friends in distress. Teach students what to look for, what to say and where to connect a friend for help.
For campus leaders, the message is clear: Awareness alone is not enough. Closing the mental health gap may depend on meeting students where they already are—in residence halls, peer networks and daily interactions—and turning trusted environments into places where students feel safe taking the next step.
