Past-year counseling and therapy use and severity of depression among university students with depression: The Healthy Minds Study

<b>Background:</b> This exploratory study examined the associations between sociodemographic factors and past-year counseling or therapy use by depression severity among college students with depression. <b>Participants:</b> This cross-sectional analysis included <i>n</i> = 8090 participants from the Healthy Minds Study Winter 2021 Survey. <b>Methods:</b> Main effects and stratified multivariable logistic regression models assessed the relationship between sociodemographic factors and counseling/therapy independently and by depression severity. <b>Results:</b> Depression severity and counseling or therapy use were not independently associated (χ² = 1.34, <i>p</i> = 0.77). Fourth + year students showed a graded response for past-year counseling/therapy use across depression severity (aOR range: 0.57-0.78, 95% CI range: 0.49-1.24). Males and students living with relatives, and those with stressful financial situations also showed lower odds of past-year counseling/therapy use. <b>Conclusion:</b> Findings indicate vulnerable subpopulations of college students that need support. Future interventions should identify barriers to treatment and pathways to support these students.