Students in college frequently struggle with accessing mental healthcare due to the stigma, perceived barriers, and time constraints. However, through advocacy and reliable care, all students can have their needs met.
A study published in the Journal of Affective Orders states that over 60% of students now meet the criteria for one or more mental health problems, representing a nearly 50% increase since 2013. Mental health has worsened across all groups, with American Indian/Alaskan Native students experiencing the sharpest increases in depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation, and meeting criteria for multiple mental health issues.
Students of color also have the lowest rates of mental health service utilization. College-aged students often face unique pressures, such as academic stress, social isolation, and the transition to adulthood. Mental healthcare in this population must go beyond general approaches by addressing specific concerns and providing accessible, culturally competent services.
When students have reliable access to mental health services, they mange their stress and gain tools to improve their overall mental health. One study said, “Results indicated that the top three perceived benefits [from mental healthcare] were improved mental health, reduced stress, and resolving one's problems.”
HIPAA protects the privacy of individually identifiable health information, including mental health records, but its application in colleges can be complex. If a college provides healthcare services through a student health clinic, counseling center, or similar facility, and bills for these services, HIPAA may apply. However, HIPAA only governs the privacy and security of health data at these facilities and does not cover student education records.
FERPA is the primary federal law that protects the privacy of student education records at educational institutions. It includes mental health data if it's part of a student's education records, such as counseling notes maintained by a school counselor. FERPA gives students rights over their education records and limits the disclosure of this information without student consent, with some exceptions, such as health and safety emergencies.
A collaborative study published in Science Direct said, “The most frequently reported barriers were wanting to handle the problem on their own, being unsure of where to go or who to see, and being too embarrassed.”
They can be further divided into attitudinal and structural factors. Attitudinal barriers involve the stigma associated with mental health conditions, negative beliefs about treatment, and a strong desire to handle problems independently. Many students fear being labeled as "crazy" or worry about how others will perceive them if they seek help.
Some students doubt the effectiveness of mental health services or feel uncomfortable sharing personal issues with a counselor. Structural barriers include the cost of services, limited availability or accessibility of care, and logistical challenges, such as finding the time to attend appointments. Some students may also not know where to get help or have support to seek it.
Communication, especially through HIPAA compliant email, allows students to connect with counseling services or support staff when they need help but feel unsure about speaking in person.
Some suggestions on communication included:
See also: Top 12 HIPAA compliant email services
Patients have the right to access their medical records, request corrections, and control how their information is shared under HIPAA.
Parents cannot access college students' medical records protected by FERPA unless the student gives written consent.
Student medical records are subject to HIPAA when they are maintained by a healthcare provider that bills for services, separate from the school's education records.