Campus counselling centres struggle to meet growing need

An annual survey of counselling centre directors has found that universities are still poorly equipped to deal with a growing number of students seeking help for mental health issues. While budgets and hiring levels are improving post-recession, the number of patients is growing at an even quicker rate. The worldwide survey, carried out by the Association for University and College Counseling Center Directors (AUCCCD), found that there is only one staff member for every 1,772 students on campus during the academic year, compared to one for every 1,673 a year ago. Elizabeth Gong-Guy, President of the AUCCCD, cited student influxes as a primary issue. “The population is growing, and we’re trying to keep pace, but we’re falling really woefully behind now,” she said. A record 46% of students who sought help exhibited symptoms of anxiety, and 39% depression. Mental health issues have been on the rise in PSE. Inside Higher Ed | AUCCCD Report