Technology Initiatives Support Student Mental Health in a Modern Higher Ed Environment

Colleges and universities are creating original virtual and physical offerings to help bolster students’ well-being.

“Mental health has become an increased focus recently for both students and the schools they attend.

According to a 2024 U.S. News-Generation Lab report, 70% of students have experienced mental health challenges since starting college. However, only 37% sought mental health resources at their school — in some cases, because they were uncertain about how to utilize them.

The effect can be devastating: Research from Gallup-Lumina found nearly two-thirds (64%) of currently enrolled college students who recently considered stopping their studies said emotional stress or mental health concerns were a significant reason.

To help students complete their educational journey, several colleges and universities have introduced technology initiatives that offer support for mental health and well-being, says Ryan S. Patel, American College Health Association board member and chair of its Mental Health Section.

“For each student, it may be a different combination of factors,” says Patel, who is also a senior staff psychiatrist at Ohio State. “Schools are trying to provide a variety of solutions in the area of health promotion or counseling to provide self-care resources for student mental health.”

Technology Elements Can Be Used to Decompress and Receive Care

Research has shown an increase in college students’ mental health needs, which, if unmet, could prevent them from succeeding at school. That prompted Montgomery County Community College in Pennsylvania to establish a Wellness Center facility at its Pottstown campus, according to Wellness Center Director Nichole Kang.”

Read more about how technology initiatives support student mental health.