University Student Mental Health: Service Utilization, Equity Gaps, and Strategies to Improve Access

Student mental health and access to care are pressing concerns in higher education. This study assesses mental health outcomes and access to campus mental health services at East Tennessee State University. Survey data from the 2023–2024 Healthy Minds Study were analyzed to report the prevalence of depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation across the student population. The study evaluates disparities in these outcomes and barriers to care across student groups, with particular attention to equity-impacted students, especially sexual and gender minority students. Findings indicate widespread psychological distress alongside persistent barriers, including long wait times, limited-service availability, and stigma-related concerns. These barriers are strongly associated with poorer mental health outcomes and occur more frequently among SGM students, highlighting structural inequities in access to care. Overall, the results show that student mental health is shaped not only by individual experiences but also by institutional and structural conditions, highlighting the need for equity-focused improvements to campus mental health systems.