College Students’ ​​Openness Towards Mobile-Based Mental Health Applications: Addressing the Counseling Deficit in Higher Education

Presenter Information

Juliann Sergi McBrayer, Georgia Southern UniversityFollow
Steven Tolman, Georgia Southern UniversityFollow
Monika Krah, Georgia Southern UniversityFollow
Darby Lucius-Milliman, Georgia Southern UniversityFollow

Location

Morgan

Session Format

Presentation

Abstract

Nationwide, over 45 million adults ages 18 and older have a mental illness, yet only 40% seek professional help. Marginalized groups are at higher risk of experiencing personal and health problems. University and college counseling centers are overwhelmed, and college students face both availability and accessibility barriers to accessing mental healthcare. We surveyed 103 college students about their attitudes towards mobile mental health applications (MHA). Results found that college students are largely unfamiliar with mobile mental health applications, yet are generally open to using them. Additionally, we found that female college students are more interested in using stress and anxiety self-help apps because they are conveniently available for use on their phone, specifically, and White students are more likely than their Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) counterparts to download mental health self-help apps that have been recommended by friends/family and healthcare professionals. Findings suggest that raising awareness of MHAs and providing accessible, affordable, and acceptable options are crucial. Additionally, findings provide insight into policy reform for universities and counseling centers. Future research should identify what motivates students to download and consistently use MHAs and explore how colleges can better implement these applications across campuses.

Keywords

stress management, mental health applications (MHA), mobile-based applications, mindfulness, college student attitudes

Professional Bio

Juliann Sergi McBrayer, Ed.D., is an Associate Professor and Co-Director of the National Youth Advocacy and Resilience Research Center at Georgia Southern University. She also directs the Educational Leadership master’s and specialist programs. Dr. McBrayer holds degrees from Georgia Southern University, Ohio University, and SUNY College at Buffalo. With over 20 years of experience, she has served in roles including professor, program coordinator, school leader, and teacher. Her research focuses on leadership preparation programs and professional learning that supports school safety, mental health, and restorative justice, emphasizing collaborative, sustainable practices to ensure educational effectiveness and accountability. Steven Tolman, Ed.D., is an Associate Professor of Educational Leadership at Georgia Southern University. He previously served as a graduate program director in Higher Education Administration and spent 12 years in student affairs, including roles in Residence Life, Student Conduct, and Student Life. He holds a Doctorate from Rutgers University, a Master’s from Texas Tech University, and a Bachelor’s from Central Michigan University. His research is grounded in student development theory, focusing on Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, Kolb’s Experiential Learning, Sanford’s Challenge and Support, and Astin’s Involvement Theory. His scholarly agenda centers on student affairs and leadership preparation. Monika Krah, B.S., is a doctoral student in Clinical Psychology at Georgia Southern University. She earned two Bachelor’s degrees in Psychology and German Studies, as well as a minor in European Studies, from the University of Connecticut. Before starting graduate school, Monika worked as a research assistant at the Yale Stress Center, managing and conducting research concerning binge drinking and obesity. Monika’s research interests lie in whole health, or the interconnectedness between mental and physical health. Darby Lucius-Milliman, B.A., is a doctoral student in Clinical Psychology at Georgia Southern University. She earned a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Business, Organizations & Society from Franklin & Marshall College. Prior to beginning graduate studies, Darby was a senior research assistant at the Center on Aging and Behavioral Research at Weill Cornell Medicine, exploring how technological applications can improve the lives of older adults. Darby’s research interests center on the mental and emotional health of older adults, particularly those with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, as well as the overall health of loved ones providing them with informal care.

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.

Recommended Citation

McBrayer, Juliann Sergi; Tolman, Steven; Krah, Monika; and Lucius-Milliman, Darby, "College Students’ ​​Openness Towards Mobile-Based Mental Health Applications: Addressing the Counseling Deficit in Higher Education" (2026). Georgia Educational Research Association Conference. 87.
https://digitalcommons.georgiasouthern.edu/gera/2026/2026/87