Colleges Can't Meet Surging Mental Health Needs

Students demand more mental health services today than they did just a few years ago, a new survey of over 80 schools concludes. But though most colleges offer mental health services, many don't serve the biggest area of need: anxiety disorders, which college students are reporting in greater numbers since Sept. 11, 2001. "Colleges need to expand the scope of their services," says Jerilyn Ross, president of the Anxiety Disorders Association of America, which authored the report. ADAA also offers tips for parents, which we've summarized (and adapted for students) after the jump.

Recommendations for parents, adapted for students:

• Research a school's mental health services before choosing it. Does the college offer a wide range of services?
• Ask the college officials about help available for students who develop mental health problems after their first year.
• Once you've picked a school, make sure you know what services it offers and how you get them.
• Seek help as soon as problems arise.