The Mental Health Crisis on US Campuses

Abstract

The authors address the growing mental health crisis on American campuses. They explore the results of surveys that indicate rising levels of anxiety and depression in addition to other mental health concerns among student populations, including some of the potential causes of this trend. The chapter concludes with a review of how campus health clinics are responding to this increasing demand for mental health care, including different public health approaches that have been found to be effective on various campuses. This broad public health approach provides the foundation for the development of programs that encourage students to spend time in nature as a response to mental health concerns.