College Mental Health Training

This review examines developments in training the psychiatric workforce to treat psychiatric conditions in college mental health. It provides helpful examples of training materials that can be utilized by psychiatrists to gain a better understanding of treating college students as they transition from child serving systems to adult models of care.

Data from the 2024–2025 Healthy Minds Study indicates that more than 60% of students surveyed with positive depression or anxiety screens received treatment and nearly a third of students had taken at least one psychotropic medication in the past year. This same data indicated 50% of students have a mental health diagnosis yet only 18% stated that there were no barriers to receiving care. University presidents have also acknowledged this issue, responding to the “Campus Mental Health Crisis” as an institution-wide priority. Psychiatrists must be prepared to treat this growing need.

College Mental Health Programs vary nationwide but demand for services continues to increase. Psychiatrists must recognize the unique attributes of students and be prepared to treat them utilizing a developmental perspective. Furthermore, there are systemic differences that exist in higher education compared to traditional ambulatory care models. Educating the workforce can be accomplished through curriculum, peer mentorship, and research, to ensure high quality care for this vulnerable population.