College student mental health, treatment utilization, and reduced enrollment: Findings across a state university system during the COVID-19 pandemic.

This study measured the rate of college student mental health concerns and mental health service utilization. The roles of mental health and seeking treatment regarding anticipated enrollment were explored. One thousand eight hundred thirty-one randomly selected students participated in this online survey. Most students reported clinically significant symptoms (88.3%), and many sought treatment in the past year (28.8%). Most students had favorable attitudes toward telemental health. Barriers to seeking care included a preference for self-management of symptoms (68.8%) and limited time (43.3%). Mental health was the most commonly reported reason for anticipating reduced enrollment ( < .001), and these individuals were more likely to seek treatment. Past and anticipated use of mental health treatment likely exceeds on-campus capacity. Student mental health and retention are linked, and treatment may support retention. Nontraditional services, including telemental health, could help address increasing symptom severity and demand for services.