More students than ever are accessing mental health support through a range of campus and community options. When looking at recent data surrounding how schools engage with mental health resources on campus — specifically TimelyCare, the Clinical Psychology Mental Health Center, and Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) — the numbers reflect a growing and diverse network of support that meets students where they are.
"Students are getting the support they need via the channels they are hearing about," said CAPS Director Petra Batek. "Wherever they get connected, that’s a win."
While some academic schools have seen a slight decrease in using CAPS services compared to last year, the broader data tells a positive story: Students are engaging with the services that best fit their needs.
Nine academic schools now have 10% or more of their students connected with on-campus mental health services. The School of Science leads the way, with 15% of students connected, while 11% of University College students accessed TimelyCare in 2024–25.
An adaptable mental health service model
Between 2014 and 2019, CAPS saw a 44% increase in students served. To better reach more of the student body, CAPS established a Stepped Care Model, which is designed in a way that every student has a functional pathway to support.
This model evolves in real time to respond to student needs and includes multiple entry points for care, which allows students to access services that fit their preferences, schedules, and circumstances.
With this foundation in place, CAPS can then focus on students with higher clinical complexity, those who lack privacy or technology for remote counseling and those who need longer-term or group therapy support only offered on campus.
"Our partnerships across campus and with community providers are essential," remarked Batek. "Together, we can ensure students have access to the level and type of care that best supports their well-being and academic success."