Survey points to rising concerns, cost barriers, and shifting help-seeking behaviors
UnitedHealthcare has released findings from its fourth annual Young Adult & College Student Behavioral Health Report, offering a detailed look into the growing mental and behavioral health challenges faced by young adults aged 18–28, both in college and outside of it. The nationwide survey, conducted by YouGov, highlights persistent concerns around mental well-being, evolving support-seeking behaviors, and a noticeable gap between how young people experience mental health issues and how their parents perceive them.
The study underscores a concerning trend: mental and behavioral health challenges remain widespread and consistent among young adults. More than six in ten respondents (62%) reported that either they themselves or someone close to them—such as a friend or roommate—experienced a mental or behavioral health issue within the past year. This figure reflects a sustained pattern observed over the past four years, indicating that these challenges are not short-term fluctuations but ongoing concerns affecting this demographic.
When broken down further, the data reveals differences between college students and young adults who are not enrolled in higher education. Among college students, 69% reported experiencing a mental or behavioral health concern in the past year, compared to 54% of their non-college peers. This 15-percentage-point gap suggests that college environments may introduce or intensify stressors that contribute to mental health struggles. Academic pressure, social adjustments, financial concerns, and uncertainty about the future are among the factors often associated with student life, potentially explaining the higher incidence.
Across both groups, the most commonly reported conditions include anxiety and stress, depression, and attention-related challenges such as ADD/ADHD. Notably, college students reported the highest levels of these conditions in the past four years, signaling a growing need for targeted mental health support within academic institutions.
Another important finding from the survey is the disconnect between students’ lived experiences and parental perceptions. While 69% of college students acknowledged experiencing mental or behavioral health issues, only 43% of parents believed their children were facing such challenges. This perception gap suggests that many parents may underestimate the extent or severity of mental health struggles among young adults. The lack of alignment can create barriers to open communication and may delay or prevent young people from receiving the support they need.
Raphael D. Florestal-Kevelier, CEO of the American College Health Association (ACHA), emphasized the importance of understanding these challenges through reliable data. He noted that as behavioral health needs among college students become more complex, data-driven insights play a critical role in identifying key issues and guiding effective, evidence-based interventions. According to him, when institutions actively provide accessible resources and support systems, students are better equipped to succeed academically and maintain their well-being both on and off campus.
The report also explores how young adults are increasingly turning to digital tools for mental health support, reflecting a shift in how care and guidance are accessed. One notable trend is the growing use of artificial intelligence (AI)-based platforms. About 31% of respondents reported that they or someone they know used AI tools in the past year to explore symptoms, gather information, or learn coping strategies. These platforms are becoming a convenient and accessible first step for individuals seeking to understand their mental health.
Even more striking is that 26% of users reported turning to AI platforms for emotional support, companionship, or reassurance. This indicates that AI is not only being used as an informational resource but is also filling a social or emotional gap for some users. While this trend highlights the potential of technology to expand access to support, it also raises important questions about the quality, reliability, and limitations of AI-driven interactions in addressing complex mental health needs.
Nicole Brady, Chief Medical Officer of UnitedHealthcare Student Resources, highlighted the implications of this shift. She noted that as more young people rely on AI for guidance, it becomes increasingly important for families, educators, employers, and healthcare providers to work collaboratively. Improving health literacy, helping individuals navigate care options, and ensuring timely access to professional support are all critical steps in addressing the evolving landscape of mental health care. She emphasized that creating supportive environments and guiding the responsible use of emerging technologies can empower young adults to make informed decisions and seek help when needed.
Despite the availability of resources, barriers to accessing care remain a significant concern. Among those who reported experiencing mental or behavioral health challenges but did not seek help, 25% cited cost as a primary obstacle. This finding highlights the ongoing issue of affordability in mental healthcare, where financial constraints can prevent individuals from accessing necessary services. Other potential barriers, though not quantified in the same way, may include stigma, lack of awareness, limited availability of providers, and uncertainty about where to seek help.
To address these challenges, UnitedHealthcare has introduced a range of behavioral health resources designed to improve access and provide multiple pathways to care. These include 24/7 telephonic mental health support lines, which offer immediate assistance to individuals in need. Digital tools such as coaching programs and platforms like Calm Health provide users with guided support and self-care strategies. Additionally, employee and student assistance programs offer structured support systems, while peer support initiatives create opportunities for individuals to connect with others who share similar experiences.
The organization also provides both in-person and virtual care options, recognizing that flexibility is key to meeting diverse needs. By offering multiple entry points, these services aim to ensure that individuals can find support in a way that suits their preferences and circumstances. Furthermore, UnitedHealthcare has developed conversation starter cards for parents and youth, designed to facilitate open discussions about mental well-being. These tools are particularly important in addressing the perception gap identified in the survey, helping families communicate more effectively about mental health.
The Young Adult & College Student Behavioral Health Report itself is based on a robust sample of 2,031 participants. This includes 501 college students currently enrolled in U.S. institutions, 523 parents of college students, 502 young adults not enrolled in college, and 505 parents of non-college young adults. All participants were between the ages of 18 and 28 or were parents of individuals in that age group. The survey was conducted online between October 16 and October 31, 2025, providing a comprehensive snapshot of current attitudes and experiences related to mental health.
The range of mental and behavioral health concerns examined in the study includes depression, anxiety and stress, suicidal thoughts or intentions, eating disorders, ADD/ADHD, substance use disorders, and other related conditions. By covering a broad spectrum of issues, the report offers a holistic view of the challenges faced by young adults today.
Overall, the findings paint a clear picture: mental health challenges among young adults and college students are widespread, persistent, and multifaceted. While awareness is growing and new tools are emerging, significant gaps remain in perception, access, and support. Addressing these challenges will require coordinated efforts across families, educational institutions, healthcare providers, and policymakers.
As the landscape of mental health continues to evolve, particularly with the integration of digital and AI-driven tools, it is essential to balance innovation with evidence-based care. Ensuring that young adults have access to accurate information, affordable services, and supportive environments will be key to improving outcomes and fostering resilience in this critical stage of life.
About UnitedHealthcare
UnitedHealthcare is dedicated to helping people live healthier lives and making the health system work better for everyone by simplifying the health care experience, meeting consumer health and wellness needs, and sustaining trusted relationships with care providers. The company offers the full spectrum of health benefit programs for individuals, employers, and Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries, and contracts directly with physicians, care professionals, hospitals and other care facilities. UnitedHealthcare is one of the businesses of UnitedHealth Group (NYSE: UNH), a diversified health care company
