Unpacking Stanford’s Expanded Mental Health Services: What Critics Are Saying

Content warning: This article discusses suicide. If you or someone you know needs help, please reach out to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988.

Katie Meyer, a senior at Stanford and co-captain of the women’s soccer team, tragically took her own life in March 2022. Her death was a wake-up call for the Stanford community, as it marked the fourth student suicide in just over a year. This heartbreaking event prompted a deeper discussion on how colleges, especially Stanford, can better support students dealing with mental health issues.

In response to Meyer’s passing, university officials, family members, and lawmakers began to work on improving mental health resources on campus. A survey conducted by the ASSU in April 2022 revealed that nearly 60% of students who sought help from Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) were unable to get appointments when they needed them. Over a third of students reported that CAPS was hard to access. The Daily reported in October 2022 that CAPS faced staffing challenges due to recruitment issues and staff turnover.

Since then, Stanford has launched new initiatives to enhance accessibility and effectiveness of mental health services. Bina Patel, director of CAPS, emphasized that supporting student well-being has become a high priority. She noted that wait times for initial appointments have improved, averaging less than two days.

Stanford also introduced the TimelyCare program, providing 24/7 access to medical and mental health care and up to 12 therapy sessions each year. For students needing specialized care, they can consult Stanford’s Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, which leads in innovative treatment options, especially for depression. While expedited services are available for enrolled students, some fees may apply.

CAPS has expanded outreach, offering workshops and support groups for various communities, including queer students and those dealing with grief. According to a survey by Vaden, over 90% of participants found CAPS helpful and would recommend it to others in need.

Stanford has also focused on raising mental health awareness. The university hosted its second annual Flourish Together event this May, featuring wellness teams and resources, demonstrating a commitment to fostering student well-being.

Katie’s death sparked not just campus reforms but broader actions on a state and national level. Her parents established Katie’s Save, a nonprofit aimed at promoting mental health and preventing student suicides. The organization has made significant strides, even influencing the passage of Assembly Bill 1575, or Katie Meyer’s Law, signed by California Governor Gavin Newsom in September 2024. This law mandates that every student in California’s public colleges has an advisor to guide them through disciplinary processes.

Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin, who sponsored the bill, highlighted the importance of having support for students who are often navigating intense challenges alone. While the law doesn’t extend to private institutions like Stanford, many private colleges are considering similar policies to better support their students. However, the Meyer family has expressed deep disappointment that Stanford has not engaged with their advocacy efforts.

Attorney Kim Dougherty, representing the Meyer family, confirmed their ongoing discussions with the university. She noted that while they hoped Stanford would implement safety measures inspired by Katie’s Law, as of May 2025, no such initiatives had been adopted. Stanford has denied any responsibility for Meyer’s death, but they did not provide comments regarding the advocacy by Katie’s Save.

Despite the challenges, the efforts of Meyer’s parents and many others have brought important awareness to mental health issues on campus. They have expressed heartfelt gratitude to all who have supported them during this difficult journey. “Many chose to step up and be part of our mission to prevent another tragedy,” they said.

Three years later, mental health remains a critical concern at Stanford. While the university has made strides in its approach, creating an environment where all students feel supported continues to be a work in progress.

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