Nurturing Success: How UNLV Champions Mental Health for a Brighter Academic Future

Nevada often struggles with access to mental health services. However, UNLV’s Student Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) is making strides to help students get the care they need.

In the last twenty years, more students are starting college with prescriptions for psychiatric medications. This rise reflects a growing awareness of mental health issues and a willingness to seek help.

Shauna K. Landis, a licensed psychologist and executive director of CAPS, emphasized the benefits of effective treatment. “When symptoms are managed well, students can attend classes, focus, study, and tackle tasks that once felt overwhelming,” she explained.

To meet the increasing demand, CAPS has partnered with the Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine at UNLV to train psychiatric residents. Since starting the residency program in 2022, they’ve increased from two residents to four.

Many people mix up psychologists and psychiatrists. Psychologists provide therapy and evaluations, while psychiatrists can prescribe medication and also offer therapy. CAPS’s psychiatric residents manage a few therapy cases each year, adding to the support available for students.

In 2024, CAPS handled 2,530 psychiatric appointments, with 1,563 led by residents. This increase in services has boosted counseling accessibility by 11% and significantly reduced wait times.

Landis noted, “The growth in psychiatric services at UNLV means more students can access the mental health support they need to achieve their academic goals.”

Why is psychiatry crucial on campus? The 2023-24 Healthy Minds National Study reveals some striking statistics:

• 31% of students have taken psychiatric medications in the past year.
• 50% have been diagnosed with a mental health disorder at some point in their lives.
• Breakdown of medications taken in the past year:
  • 20% on antidepressants
  • 9% on anti-anxiety medications
  • 7% on psychostimulants
  • 4% on sleep medications
  • 3% on mood stabilizers
  • 1% on antipsychotics

This data highlights an urgent need for effective mental health resources in colleges. With increasing enrollment rates and recognition of mental health challenges, universities must continue enhancing their support systems.

Social media trends also reflect this growing conversation. Many students share their struggles and victories online, creating a supportive community. Platforms like Twitter and TikTok have become essential for raising awareness and reducing the stigma around mental health.

UNLV, through CAPS, is working to change the narrative by ensuring students have the tools they need to succeed not just academically, but also mentally.

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