For the third consecutive year, we’re seeing a positive and encouraging shift in student mental health. After years of escalating concerns, the Healthy Minds Study for 2024-2025 shows that rates of severe depressive symptoms and suicidal ideation are not only declining but are beginning to trend back towards pre-pandemic levels.

While there are a lot of contributing factors, the data underscores the ongoing need – and direct impact – of funding comprehensive mental health solutions. From expanding counseling capacity to integrating innovative telehealth into campus offerings, ongoing institutional efforts make a tangible difference in reducing acute distress

Rates of anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation decline

Drawing from over 84,000 student responses across 135 colleges and universities, the 2024–2025 Healthy Minds Study paints a nuanced picture of progress.

• The proportion of students reporting severe depressive symptoms (PHQ-9 ≥15) has dropped to 18%, a decrease from its peak of 23% in 2021-2022.
• The rate of suicidal ideation in the past year has fallen to 11%, a marked improvement from 15% in 2021-2022, and nearing its 2018-2019 level of 14%.
• Similarly, moderate to severe anxiety symptoms (GAD-7 ≥10) have decreased to 32%, down from 37% in 2021-2022, also approaching pre-pandemic rates, which were 26-31% in 2018-2019. 

“These sustained reductions tell me this is not a blip. Whether it’s distance from the pandemic, better institutional support or something else driving the change, I think this is a promising counternarrative to what seems like constant headlines around young people’s struggles with mental health,” said co-principal investigator and associate professor at University of Michigan’s School of Public Health Justin Heinze in the coinciding press release.

Student mental health may no longer be a “crisis,” but it’s clear there’s a significant need for ongoing care. Not only do many serious mental illnesses manifest during young adulthood, but young adults consistently report higher rates of serious psychological distress and suicidal ideation compared to other adult populations. Additionally, 81% of responding faculty and staff say that student mental health is significantly worse now compared to the start of their careers. 

Student well-being continues to be a concern

Despite the positive trajectory, data shows that levels of flourishing or psychological well-being – which includes optimism, self-esteem, and sense of purpose – actually dropped from 38% in 203-2024 to 36% in 2024-2025. 

Even though more and more students are utilizing counseling and mental health services, more than half of students (52%) still report feeling high levels of loneliness. This data reveals a paradox: while fewer students may be in acute crisis, many are still struggling to feel connected. Treating mental illness and cultivating mental wellness are interconnected, but they are not the same. 

Tackling student well-being with preventive care

Clinical support will always be essential. The study reaffirms this, with demand, with 37% of students receiving therapy/counseling and 30% taking psychiatric medication. However, students continue to face barriers to care and need additional support that promotes student well-being. This could include peer support, skills-based training, or coaching. 

“Digital and mobile services are evolving rapidly and are now popular among students,” said Daniel Eisenberg, professor of health policy and management at the UCLA Fielding School of Public Health and a co-principal investigator, who was a panelist on one of our recent webinars. “An important challenge in the coming years will be to help students make sense of their many options and help them access something that will be a good fit for their needs and preferences.”

At Mantra Health, we believe the future of student mental health depends on building comprehensive, connected systems of care. Our approach to high-quality telehealth focuses on whole-student wellness through prevention, early intervention, and ongoing support. By partnering with colleges and universities, we help scale access through digital solutions that strengthen care coordination and empower students to build lifelong skills for resilience and long-term success.

Learn about the many ways in which we support institutions with various student mental health and wellness solutions here or reach out to partner@mantrahealth.com for more information.