The Student Perception of Mental health Care Survey

2024 Student Perception of Mental Health Care Survey

In November 2024, U of T students who recently visited a campus health centre for mental health reasons were asked about their satisfaction with care. Over 600 students completed the Student Perception of Mental Health Survey.  

Analysis was undertaken in early 2025 and dissemination to students began in Fall 2025.  

Main findings from the survey include the following: 

• Across all four areas assessed for student experience with the centre, the staff, their outcomes and general satisfaction, most students rated most items 4 out of 5 

• 3 out of 4 students were satisfied with the amount of time they waited for their most recent appointment 

• International students had the same or better satisfaction than domestic students  

• Satisfaction was good across service types including same day counselling, ongoing care and mental health care with a family doctor  

• Some differences in satisfaction were found in expected areas: for example, graduate students and non-first-time users had higher satisfaction with the outcome, likely reflecting expectations based on more experience using health services  

• Some differences in satisfaction were less expected; for example, heterosexual students had higher satisfaction with the centre than 2SLGBTQIA+ students.  

We know some groups will experience mental health care in expected ways (e.g., more utilization results in higher satisfaction). We are paying close attention to those groups whose experiences are not expected and require more consideration for service design and delivery. Future updates will include information about the steps we are taking to improve student experience based on the 2024 survey.

2022-23 Student Perception of Mental Health Care Survey

The first Student Perception of Mental Health Care Survey was launched in November 2022. Survey results were analyzed in early 2023. Dissemination of survey findings to students began in November 2023.

A full report on the findings of the 2022 Student Perception of Mental Health Care Survey can be found here.

Student feedback from the 2022 Student Perception of Mental Health Care Survey has resulted in many improvements across all three campus health centres.  

Here are examples of the improvements to mental health services on campus that have resulted from the findings of 2022 Student Perception of Mental Health Care Survey:   

• Communication about the availability and experience of counselling staff is improving. Health centre website updates are in process, with counsellor bios and pictures being added; outreach at campus events by counsellors has increased their visibility with students. 

• Stabilized front desk staffing has resulted in better response times to phone queues, including during peak demand periods.  

• More in-person counselling appointments are now available to students and schedules have improved to ensure in-person coverage during times of peak service demand.   

• Treatment groups, partnerships with external providers and student-led committees are being created to better address the needs of 2SLGBTQIA+ students. Communication and outreach about gender affirming care has improved.