The power of printed word in a digital age: Effects of a mental health brochure on help-seeking in college students

<b>Objective:</b> The current study investigated how viewing a printed informational brochure about local mental health resources can affect help-seeking in college students. <b>Method:</b> Undergraduate participants (<i>n</i> = 187) were randomly assigned to read a printed brochure for 5 min about local mental health resources or facts related to their university. <b>Results:</b> Reading the mental health resources brochure led to greater knowledge about said resources, lower perceived public stigma toward help-seeking, more positive attitudes toward seeking professional help, and greater willingness to engage in help-seeking behavior. There was no significant impact on personal stigma, self-stigma, or intentions to seek help. <b>Conclusions:</b> The results provide evidence of the utility of printed brochures in reducing barriers to help-seeking in college students. Even in today's digital age, printed informational materials can be relevant mediums for addressing stigma, improving mental health literacy, and disseminating knowledge about treatment options.