Mental health service use among post-secondary students in Alberta

Abstract

Rising rates of mental health issues among post-secondary students is a growing concern in Canada. This report profiled students (18 to 25 years old) enrolled in publicly-funded post-secondary institutions in Alberta who received mental health services between 2005/06 and 2010/11. Analyses examined these individuals’ sociodemographic characteristics and public service use patterns based on their enrollment status (full-time or part-time) and credential type. This report found that 7% of post-secondary students in Alberta (5,500 to 6,000 a year from 2005/06 to 2010/11) received mental health services. This report found that students receiving mental health services were more likely to use social services and income supports, have corrections involvement, suffer from injury/harm, have chronic disease, and have a disability than those not receiving services. The report also found that a greater proportion of part-time students were diagnosed with an anxiety disorder or depression than full-time students. These findings provide policy-relevant evidence that public authorities may consider as they seek to better support post-secondary students.