Key Takeaways

Parents of college students might not understand their young adult’s mental health

Half as many parents as students report their child has had declining mental health in college

Parents also expect their student to turn to a trusted adult for advice, while students are more likely to talk to a peer

WEDNESDAY, Sept. 3, 2025 (HealthDay News) — Parents of college students headed back to campus might have some fundamental misunderstandings regarding their young adult’s mental health challenges, a new report said.

About 1 in 5 college students reported that their mental health had declined since high school, according to the 2025 College Student and Graduate Behavioral Health Report issued by United Healthcare.

In comparison, only half as many parents – 1 in 10 – said

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