Northwestern University is addressing the increasing mental health challenges among adolescents and college students in the U.S. with the establishment of the Institute for Adolescent Mental Health and Well-Being, set to launch in 2025, thanks to a significant anonymous donation. This initiative will unite scholars and campus leaders to investigate young adult psychology and apply their findings to improve student programming.
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Situated within Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences’ Department of Psychology, the institute will collaborate with various academic and administrative units, utilizing Northwestern's expertise in clinical, developmental, and social psychology. The goal is to enhance research and programming initiatives that will boost student outcomes both at Northwestern and nationwide.
This effort is particularly timely; the 2024–25 Healthy Minds Study reported that among over 84,000 surveyed students from 135 U.S. colleges and universities, 37% showed moderate to severe depressive symptoms, and 33% reported moderate to severe anxiety symptoms.
A key component of the institute is its partnership with Northwestern’s Division of Student Affairs. Starting with the class of 2030, they will implement a longitudinal survey to evaluate students' mental health and well-being, monitoring risk and resilience over time. This comprehensive dataset aims to guide targeted interventions on campus and influence research priorities, producing findings with national implications.
Vice President for Student Affairs Susan Davis stated that the insights gained will enable a focus on evidence-based support, enhancing student wellness and potentially serving as a model for other universities across the U.S.
In February, the institute launched a cross-disciplinary speaker series, featuring both Northwestern faculty and external experts to encourage interdisciplinary collaboration. One notable talk by Jessica Schleider, associate professor of medical social sciences, addressed scaling single-session interventions to improve youth mental health resources.
The institute's director, Vijay Mittal, also the David S. Holmes Professor of Brain Science, emphasized the importance of environments that nurture excitement, social understanding, and mental adaptability for young minds. Current research includes a project led by Elizabeth Gerber, a professor of mechanical engineering and communication studies, exploring how artificial intelligence affects students' self-perception and possibilities.