Jazmin Guajardo, a student at CSU Channel Islands, has witnessed how anxiety affects her peers. She serves as a peer mentor and has seen students struggle with mental health, not just during the day, but even after hours when campus counseling is unavailable. This has led Cal State leaders to consider expanding their virtual crisis support to provide help when students need it most.
In the 2024-25 academic year, Cal State students made over 5,400 crisis appointments during regular hours and placed about 3,500 calls for after-hours support, even being transported to hospitals on 177 occasions. “After-hours care is critical,” stated Dilcie D. Perez, a deputy vice chancellor at Cal State.
However, this plan is facing pushback from the California Faculty Association, representing campus counselors. They argue that outsourcing mental health support to TimelyCare, a company providing telephone and online counseling, might compromise the quality of care students receive. The union believes that mental health is best served by in-house trained professionals.
Recent findings reveal alarming trends in student mental health. According to the 2025 Healthy Minds survey, 37% of college students reported moderate to severe depressive symptoms, and 32% indicated similar levels of anxiety. In comparison, the National College Health Assessment highlighted a concerning rate of suicidal ideation. These figures emphasize the urgent need for effective mental health support for students.
While Cal State’s current plan includes accessing TimelyCare’s services to cover after-hours needs, critics like Loren Cannon, a philosophy lecturer, question the logic of outsourcing instead of hiring in-house counselors. “We need care tailored to our students,” he argues.
Carolyn O’Keefe, a director in the Cal State system, defends the TimelyCare approach as breaking down barriers for students who may feel uncomfortable seeking help through traditional channels. Yet, as discussions continue, many urge for a solution that prioritizes the well-being of students and maintains direct oversight of their mental health services.
As universities navigate these complex issues, understanding the impact of mental health on academic performance remains crucial. It’s essential for institutions to strike a balance between accessible care and the quality of support offered to students.
For additional insights on mental health challenges faced by college students, you can explore this National College Health Assessment report which provides a deeper dive into student wellness trends.
