USC Students Demand Better Mental Health Support

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Student journalists at the University of Southern California have reported on growing concerns from the campus community about the availability and quality of mental health resources. Interviews with students and faculty highlight feelings of helplessness and a need for the university to invest more in counseling, wellness programs, and holistic support for students struggling with stress, anxiety, and other mental health challenges.

Why it matters

As the cost of higher education continues to rise and the demands on college students increase, the issue of campus mental health has become a pressing concern nationwide. USC, like many large universities, is facing calls from its student body to prioritize mental wellbeing and provide more robust support systems to address the unique stresses and pressures faced by today's undergraduates.

The details

In the latest installment of the 'Campus Report' series, USC student journalist Kendall Gayle Washington spoke to fellow students and professors about the state of mental health resources on campus. Many students expressed feeling overwhelmed by academic workloads, extracurricular commitments, and the general pressures of college life, with one noting, 'I do feel there are resources but, at some point, the students do feel helpless.' Faculty also acknowledged the need for the university to invest more in counseling staff, wellness programming, and holistic support to address the growing mental health crisis impacting the student body.

• The 'Campus Report' series airs weekly on Spectrum News 1 in Southern California.

What’s next

The 'Campus Report' series will continue to follow the USC community's efforts to advocate for improved mental health resources and support from the university administration.