Are Colleges Prepared? Exploring the Use of Mental Health Services Among US Students

Victimization among the college population has been linked to a range of consequences, including mental health disorders, eating disorders and sleep disorders. However, the extent to which these disorders are addressed on college and university campuses is less explored, especially among students who identify as sexual and gender minorities. The current study uses data from The National College Health Assessment by The American College Health Association (ACHA-NCHA IIIb) to examine the extent of victimization and the use mental health services on college and university campuses in the United States. Findings from this study suggest victims, especially those who identify as LGBTQ+, experience higher odds of mental health, eating and sleep disorders in comparison to their peers and are statistically more likely to use mental health services. Policy implications are discussed.