College is often an exciting time of growth, independence, and self-discovery, but can also cause intense stress and mental health challenges. Over 50% of college students meet the criteria for at least one mental health disorder [1].
Biology, brain development, moving out of the house, transition to young adulthood, and managing new challenges are just some of the factors that put college kids at an increased risk of struggling with their mental health. Social media, political instability, economic injustice, the rise of AI, and the threat of climate change are also major factors affecting today’s students.
Recognizing these challenges and increasing access to on-campus and off-campus mental health resources is not just important; it’s suicide prevention. Suicide is the second leading cause of death among university students in the United States, with an estimated 1,100 suicides on U.S. college campuses each year [1].
In this article, I explore some of the most common mental health concerns facing college students today and how counseling can support their success and well-being.
8 Common Issues Affecting University Students
University life is full of changes, new challenges, and relationships. These stressors can increase underlying vulnerabilities and increase risk factors for developing a mental health condition. Recognizing the issues that affect students the most is an important first step for prevention and support.
Counseling can help students explore who they are, build confidence, and develop a sense of direction that aligns with their values, strengths, and long-term well-being.
Anxiety and Academic Pressure
Academic pressure, social expectations, and future uncertainty are driving factors of anxiety in college students. Juggling deadlines, exams, internships, and future career concerns can all play a role, and anxiety may show up as perfectionism, difficulty concentrating in lectures, and trouble sleeping [2].
Depression and Mood Disorders
Moving away from family and childhood friends can leave many students feeling disconnected if they don’t get involved in a campus group or organization. This can lead to isolation, depression, and impact class attendance and daily routines.
Stress, Burnout, and Emotional Overwhelm
Many students experience chronic stress from balancing school, work, finances, and social demands for the first time in their lives. This can lead to burnout, emotional exhaustion, irritability, numbness, and feeling mentally “checked out.” Without support, students may struggle to recharge or stay motivated [3].
Social Anxiety and Difficulty Adjusting
For some students, college brings new challenges, such as making friends, speaking in class, or finding their social circle. Social anxiety can lead to avoidance, loneliness, or fear of judgment, making it difficult to feel connected on campus, even when surrounded by peers.
Trauma and Past Experiences
Past trauma, such as childhood abuse, neglect, or bullying, can resurface during college transitions. Stress, independence, and new relationships may trigger emotional reactions, making it difficult to trust others, emotionally regulate, and cope with distress.
Substance Use and Risky Coping Behaviors
Some students may turn to alcohol or drugs, or behavioral addictions such as binge eating, social media use, and porn addiction as a way to cope with stress, pressure, or feelings of uncertainty. These often provide temporary relief from anxiety, self-doubt, or social pressure, but create more problems in the long run [4].
Identity and Self-Esteem
For many students, college is the first time they make major decisions on their own, choosing a major, exploring career paths, building romantic relationships, and defining personal values outside family expectations. Questions like “Am I on the right path?”, “What if I fail?” or “Who am I becoming?” are common and can lead to anxiety, self-doubt, or feeling lost.
Uncertainty About Future and Life Direction
Many students experience anxiety about their future, feeling unsure about career paths, life goals, and the steps they need to take to succeed. This uncertainty is heightened by factors such as an unpredictable job market, economic instability, and the growing impact of AI technology, which can make once successful career paths feel less secure.
Students may also compare themselves to peers who appear more confident, successful, or “ahead,” which can contribute to stress, self-doubt, and feelings of being “behind” in life.
Types of Counseling Available for College Students
College students have access to a variety of counseling and mental health support services designed to address stress, anxiety, career uncertainty, and other challenges they may face.
Common types include:
- Individual Counseling: One-on-one sessions, such as CBT, DBT, or EMDR, allow students to discuss personal concerns, explore emotions, process trauma, and develop coping strategies tailored to their needs.
- Group Counseling: Group sessions provide a supportive environment where students can share experiences, learn from peers, and practice social and coping skills in a guided setting.
- Career Counseling: This helps students explore career paths, set goals, and develop skills such as resume writing, interviewing, and job search strategies.
- Academic Counseling: This type of counseling is often offered as part of university programming and helps students with time management, study strategies, and course selection to improve successful academic outcomes.
- Crisis Counseling: These are emergency services for students experiencing acute mental health crises, including hotlines, walk-in centers, and on-call counselors.
- Online Counseling: Telehealth and virtual counseling sessions allow students to access support from the comfort of their own homes, which is often more convenient.
- Peer Support: Many universities offer peer programs with trained student mentors or support groups that offer guidance, encouragement, and a sense of community.
Treatment Plans For Student Life at Trinity Wellness Group
In partnership with several local colleges and universities in the Boston area, Trinity Wellness Group offers flexible treatment plans tailored to your academic schedule, including evening appointments and telehealth options. Most student health plans provide out-of-network benefits, making care both accessible and affordable.
We also serve as a teaching clinic dedicated to shaping the next generation of mental health clinicians. Guided by our commitment to ethical practice and reflective learning, students and emerging clinicians gain hands-on experience with evidence-based treatment modalities, including CBT, DBT, EMDR, group therapy, case consultation, and interprofessional collaboration.
Our counseling services are guided by clinical therapists who understand today’s academic and social pressures. Whether you are balancing classes, work, or campus life, care is structured to fit your needs.
Sources
[1] O’Grady, E. (2010). Prevalence and predictors of persistent suicide ideation, plans, and attempts during college. Journal of Affective Disorders, 127(1-3), 287–294.
[2] Gao, X. (2025). The youth mental health crisis: analysis and solutions. Frontiers in psychiatry, 15, 1517533.
[3] Ming, X. (2022). Academic Stress and Mental Well-Being in College Students: Correlations, Affected Groups, and COVID-19. Frontiers in psychology, 13, 886344.
[4] Chua, L. et al. (2025). Student Burnout: A Review of Factors Contributing to Burnout Across Different Student Populations. Behavioral Sciences (Basel, Switzerland), 15(2), 170.
