According to a 2026 article by the United Health group, 54% of young adults and 69% of college students were reported to have experienced a mental health concern.
Every year, college students around the nation struggle with the ongoing battle of mental health. When living in close quarters with someone, such as in a dorm or apartment, learning to recognize the signs of a struggling friend could save a life.
Liberty University offers a wide variety of services for students who need help or counseling. The university caters to students’ needs, helping them find resources that will accommodate their circumstances.
Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) offers individual and group counseling services that allow students to learn ways to take a proactive approach to their mental health. Each student involved with CAPS can choose which kind of care best suits their needs.
CAPS also provides a service called Let’s Talk, which is a free, drop-in, informal counseling appointment for students seeking therapeutic needs and support for their wellness goals.
Let’s Talk is for any student who feels as though their situation does not need ongoing counseling support such as a specific problem or a concern for a friend. The office locations are on the third floor of DeMoss Hall 3122A and Marie F. Green Hall 1830. Walk-in hours for both locations are Monday through Friday from 12:30-2:00 p.m.
If a student is seeking professional support, the Center for Student Thriving is located in Green Hall 1837 and offers life coaching, event workshops and book clubs for students. Their mission is to Train Champions for Christ by cultivating growth in determination, meaningful connections and resilient thinking.
If a student is struggling mentally, CARE and Support operates off a referral network where faculty, staff and students can submit their concerns to connect students in need with resources that can help.
CARE and Support Director Bethany Holt said her department works to ensure the safety and well-being of the campus community by addressing situations where students may pose a potential risk of harm to themselves or others. Working in collaboration with other university departments, CARE and Support serves as a hub for communication and connection to support.
CARE and Support also houses a new Collegiate Recovery Program called Flames Reignited that offers students a supportive environment to address addictive and unhealthy behaviors and habits that impacttheir mental health, using a Christ-centered framework of recovery.
“We are blessed to come alongside students on their recovery journey and help them build a supportive community in the process,” Holt said. “We hope this program will allow them a space to relate to others who share their struggles, set goals and experience healthy accountability, and gain victory over the hurts, habits and hangups that have held them captive.”
Celebrate Recovery groups will begin Tuesday, Sept. 22.
Senior Associate Director for Center for Student Thriving Scott Busby shared common mental health warning signs found among individuals.
Busby explained that unexplained changes in one’s behavior and routines such as eating habits, work ethic and lost interest in hobbies could all be indicators of mental health red flags.
If a friend begins showing these signs, Busby said it is important to ask reasonable questions rather than jumping to conclusions.
“In nearly 10 years working with college students, I’ve noticed that these kinds of behaviors often present alongside difficulties at home or in significant relationships,” Busby said.
Busby explained the first steps a student can take if they notice these warning signs in a friend.
“If you notice that something seems wrong, ask a loving, gentle, but direct question about what you’ve noticed,” Busby said. “Try not to worry too much about how your question will be received, but try to avoid making assumptions or accusations as well.”
If an individual does not feel as though they are experienced enough to help on a continual basis, Busby advised getting a professional involved, and informing the friend needing help about the decision.
Busby explained why the importance of mental health matters for young adults.
“You still need good friendships, adequate sleep, nutritious food, physical exercise and spiritual nourishment to flourish in God’s world,” Busby said. “In other words, your mental health should receive your attention in the college years because it’s a matter of Christian stewardship, which culminates in your good and God’s glory.”
TimelyCare is a virtual health and well-being platform for students that is offered at any time and at no cost.
In the event of a mental heath emergency students can call 3911 to be connected with campus police or 911. The Champion SAFE app also connects students to emergency services and mental health resources on campus.
BeWellVa also runs a state-wide suicide hotline, 988, that students can call 24/7.
CAPS: https://www.liberty.edu/students/student-counseling/
CARE: https://www.liberty.edu/students/dean/care-and-support/
Senes is a news editor for The Liberty Champion.