Mental Health Awareness and Student Success

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About the Episode:

In this episode of Breaking Silos, host Shane Baglini welcomes Taylor Stakes, Media Production Manager at TimelyCare, to discuss how mental health services are directly tied to student success and graduation rates.

Taylor shares insights from TimelyCare’s research, which found that 73 percent of students believe access to mental health services improves their chances of graduating. Despite this, many institutions still treat mental health support as a secondary resource rather than an essential part of student success. This episode unpacks why that mindset needs to shift and how marketers, student affairs professionals, and university leaders can better integrate mental health messaging into their overall communication strategies.

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Key Takeaways

• Mental health services are a retention tool – Research shows that students who engage in counseling services are more likely to persist and graduate.
• Marketing plays a critical role – Many students are unaware of the mental health resources available to them, highlighting the need for better promotion and integration into student messaging.
• Mental health is students’ top concern – TimelyCare’s research found that 58 percent of students cite mental health as their biggest stressor, even above financial concerns.
• Early intervention leads to better outcomes – Students who receive at least three counseling sessions show significant improvements in mental well-being and academic performance.
• Scalability is key – Universities must find ways to expand mental health resources, whether through internal programs or partnerships with providers like TimelyCare.

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Why Mental Health Services Are a Student Retention Strategy

Mental Health and Academic Success Are Deeply Connected

While universities often focus on financial aid, academic advising, and career services as retention strategies, mental health support is just as critical. Students struggling with anxiety, depression, or stress are at higher risk of dropping out, yet many institutions still view mental health as an optional support rather than an integral part of student success.

TimelyCare’s research found that nearly three out of four students believe access to mental health services improves their likelihood of graduating. When students feel supported, they are more likely to stay enrolled, persist through challenges, and complete their degrees. Universities that prioritize mental health services aren’t just providing a resource—they’re making a strategic investment in student outcomes.

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Why Institutions Struggle to Prioritize Mental Health

One of the biggest challenges universities face is limited resources. Budget cuts, understaffed counseling centers, and increasing demand for mental health support make it difficult to provide comprehensive services to every student who needs them. As a result, many students either don’t know help is available or can’t access it when they need it most.

TimelyCare and other digital mental health providers help bridge this gap by offering 24/7 access to counseling and well-being coaching. These services don’t replace on-campus counseling centers but rather supplement them, ensuring that students can always find support—even in the middle of the night.

By investing in scalable mental health solutions, universities can increase access, improve retention, and foster a more supportive campus culture.

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The Role of Marketing in Promoting Mental Health Services

Breaking the Stigma and Raising Awareness

Even when universities offer robust mental health resources, many students don’t take advantage of them simply because they don’t know they exist. This is where higher ed marketers and communicators play a vital role. Institutions must actively promote mental health services, integrating them into broader campus messaging rather than relegating them to a student affairs webpage that few students visit.

Taylor shared the example of James Madison University (JMU), where the marketing team proactively promoted mental health resources long before a crisis occurred. By normalizing conversations about mental health and embedding these services into campus culture, JMU ensured that students knew where to turn for support when they needed it.

Key strategies for promoting mental health services include:

• Social media campaigns – Regularly highlight available mental health resources on Instagram, TikTok, and other platforms where students are active.
• Targeted email and text messaging – Send reminders about counseling services, wellness workshops, and stress management resources throughout the semester.
• Collaborations with student organizations – Partner with student leaders to share mental health messaging in a way that feels authentic and relatable.
• Storytelling and testimonials – Feature real student stories about how mental health services helped them succeed.

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How Campuses Can Scale Mental Health Resources

Expanding Access Without Overburdening Staff

One of the biggest barriers to providing mental health services is staffing. Many universities don’t have enough counselors to meet student demand, leading to long wait times or limited availability. This can be especially problematic for students who need immediate support.

TimelyCare offers a scalable solution by providing on-demand mental health counseling, allowing students to choose providers who align with their lived experiences. This flexibility ensures that students can find a counselor they relate to, improving engagement and outcomes.

Other ways universities can expand mental health access include:

• Investing in peer support programs – Train students to provide peer-to-peer support and refer their peers to professional services when needed.
• Leveraging AI-powered chatbots – Use AI-driven tools to guide students to appropriate mental health resources based on their needs.
• Creating flexible scheduling options – Offer virtual counseling sessions for students who may not be able to visit an in-person office during normal business hours.

Scaling mental health resources is not just about adding more counselors—it’s about using technology and partnerships strategically to ensure students always have access to support.

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Why Investing in Mental Health Matters for the Future of Higher Education

As universities face growing enrollment challenges, student retention is more critical than ever. Mental health support is no longer a “nice-to-have” resource—it’s a core component of student success. Institutions that prioritize mental health will see higher retention rates, stronger student engagement, and better academic outcomes.

Marketers and communicators play a key role in breaking the stigma, raising awareness, and ensuring students know where to find support. By making mental health resources a visible and integrated part of campus life, universities can create an environment where students feel supported, empowered, and more likely to persist through challenges.

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Connect With Our Host:
Shane Baglini

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About The Enrollify Podcast Network: Breaking Silos is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network. If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too!  

Some of our favorites include Visionary Voices: The College President’s Playbook and The Application with Allison Turcio.

Enrollify is produced by Element451 — the next-generation AI student engagement platform helping institutions create meaningful and personalized interactions with students. Learn more at element451.com.

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