Northwestern University is set to establish the Institute for Adolescent Mental Health and Well-Being, thanks to a $25 million donation from an anonymous benefactor. This initiative aims to address rising mental health issues among teenagers and young adults by conducting interdisciplinary research and applying its findings to benefit Northwestern students.
The decision comes amid growing concerns about adolescent mental health. A 2023 report by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention revealed that 40% of American high school students experience persistent sadness or hopelessness. Additionally, the American College Health Association found that nearly three-quarters of U.S. college students face moderate or severe psychological distress.
President Michael Schill emphasized the university's commitment: “Conducting research that leads to better health outcomes and caring for the well-being of our students are two of our University’s most important priorities.” He added that the gift would enable new discoveries supporting both local and global student needs.
The institute will be housed in Northwestern's Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences' psychology department, which ranks among the top 10 in its field according to U.S. News & World Report. The department includes experts in areas such as brain development, stress resilience, personality development, relationships, and mental health.
Adrian Randolph, dean of Weinberg College, highlighted the collaborative nature of this initiative: “Researchers across multiple disciplines are working to understand more about the brain, mind and body during young adulthood.” He noted that collaboration with Student Affairs would catalyze new research efforts.
A key aspect of this initiative is a strategic partnership with Northwestern’s Division of Student Affairs. This collaboration aims to provide researchers with insights into student mental health challenges while enabling staff access to current findings for program development. Susan Davis, vice president for student affairs, expressed enthusiasm about partnering with faculty experts: “I am eager to partner with our expert faculty to develop new resources that will better serve our student community.”
The donor's contribution also funds student programming directly benefiting Northwestern students by translating advanced learnings into services. They stressed the urgency of addressing social, mental, and emotional wellness among college students.
Historically significant in psychology education since offering courses in the mid-19th century, Northwestern formally established its psychology department in 1909. It currently boasts over 40 core faculty members teaching 80 undergraduate and graduate courses across five primary areas.