Angel Velazquez, Active Minds Student Advisory Council Member at Lake Tahoe Community College, sits down with Dr. Nicole Brady, Chief Medical Officer at UnitedHealthcare Student Resources, to unpack how simple conversations and campus resources can change the way students care for their well-being.
College is full of growth, new experiences, and independence. For many students, including Angel Velazquez, it can also be overwhelming. Between classes, jobs, and managing responsibilities at home, stress can take a significant toll.
That changed when Angel reached out to the Basic Needs Center at Lake Tahoe Community College, where he learned that his struggles weren’t unique—many students balance school with basic needs, and mental health plays a huge role in overall success. Now, Angel is an ambassador with Active Minds, helping to create supportive environments on campus.
To explore how students can care for their mental health, Angel spoke with Dr. Nicole Brady, Chief Medical Officer at UnitedHealthcare Student Resources:
Why is mental health such an important topic on college campuses right now?
Dr. Brady: College is a major life shift. Data from our recent College Student & Graduate Behavioral Health Report found that nearly two-thirds of students report facing a mental or behavioral health challenge. Awareness has improved, but knowing how to seek help and what resources are available can still feel intimidating.
Angel Velazquez: That resonates. On campus, I’ve seen students struggle silently because they didn’t know where to turn, which shaped my involvement with Active Minds—I wanted to create spaces where students could share and feel supported.
What’s one of the most effective ways students can support their mental health?
Dr. Brady: Connection is key. Nearly half of students we surveyed said that talking with a friend influenced their decision to seek help. Simple acts—checking in with a roommate, joining a club, or studying with classmates—help students feel less isolated and more empowered to take care of themselves.
Angel Velazquez: I’ve seen that firsthand. At the Basic Needs Center, I connected students with resources while learning about their challenges. Even small gestures, like listening or sharing your own story, can make a big difference in encouraging someone to seek support.
Are there resources that students can turn to?
Dr. Brady: Yes, and learning about these options early makes it easier to take that first step when things start to feel overwhelming. If you are not sure what resources are available, find out if your campus has a student health center. Also, talking with your primary care physician is a great start.
Angel Velazquez: I agree! Growing up I felt pressure to handle everything on my own, so the Basic Needs Center, the Food Pantry, Student Accessibility Services, and the wellness counselor were game-changers. Active Minds also plays a role in normalizing mental health through workshops, tabling, and peer-to-peer conversations. Accessible resources help students focus on academics while knowing support is available when needed.
Dr. Brady: Also, many times your health insurance plan will have resources too so you can call the number on the back of your card to learn about what benefits are available.
How can conversations about mental health among college students become more open and relatable?
Dr. Brady: Conversations become more natural when integrated into everyday student life instead of formal settings. Peer-led discussions and honest dialogue create a culture where students feel seen and understood.
Angel Velazquez: Exactly. I find that when discussions acknowledge real challenges—financial pressure, academic stress, or burnout—students are more likely to engage. Simple, authentic conversations make it easier for students to reach out for help, and encourage others to do the same.
What about after college? How can students maintain mental health once they graduate?
Dr. Brady: The transition can be challenging, but habits built in college—staying connected, seeking support, and maintaining routines—can continue to benefit graduates.
Angel Velazquez: Organizations like Active Minds provide tools and community that extend beyond campus, too. The lessons learned about mental health in college set the foundation for lifelong well-being.
Dr. Brady: Right! Mental health isn’t something you “fix” once. It’s ongoing care, like physical health—checking in, building connections, and knowing your options are small but powerful steps.
Angel Velazquez: The more we normalize these conversations, the easier it becomes to reach out for ourselves and support others. Connection truly is a cornerstone, and at the end of the day, supporting mental health isn’t just about surviving college. It is about building habits that last a lifetime.
To learn more about Active Minds, visit: https://activeminds.org/our-story/
Colleges or universities interested in learning about student behavioral health solutions, can contact UnitedHealthcare Student Resources at www.uhcsr.com.
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Will Holman
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william_s_holman@uhc.com
