The Princeton Review Names UAlbany to Mental Health Honor Roll for the Second Year
By Amy Geduldig
ALBANY, N.Y. (Nov. 24, 2025) —For the second year in a row, the University at Albany was named one of 30 institutions selected for The Princeton Review’s Mental Health Services Honor Roll. The University was featured on the inaugural list last year.
The Mental Health Honor Roll surveys both college administrators and students to evaluate campus mental health services and awareness. The initiative identifies institutions that demonstrate a strong commitment to the mental health and well-being of their students. The full list of institutions and information about the criteria for this designation is available on The Princeton Review’s website.
“In order to enable students to achieve their academic and career goals, universities must also prioritize supporting their health and well-being. The University at Albany is proud to be a place dedicated to holistically supporting students. Being named to The Princeton Review’s Mental Health Honor Roll for a second year underscores this commitment and the incredible work of our dedicated staff, peer counselors, and campus partners. As a Health Promoting University, we continue to broaden access to the resources and care our students need. Together, we are building a campus environment where every student has the support, tools, and encouragement they need to succeed,” said Havidán Rodríguez, president of the University at Albany.
Developed to help students identify higher education institutions that offer extensive support for mental health, the Mental Health Honor Roll selects universities and colleges that provide overall administrative support for campus health and well-being. The project considers several factors, including policies and staff commitment; quality of life on campus that is both healthy and attentive to overall wellbeing; and education programs and peer-to-peer offerings that empower students to address their own mental health.
As a Health-Promoting University, UAlbany provides robust mental health services offered by the Counseling & Psychological Services Office (CAPS), noted for providing counseling support, recovery programs and the STEPS program, which is designed to help students confront issues stemming from alcohol or cannabis use. UAlbany also offers a peer-to-peer counseling service through its Middle Earth Peer Assistance program, where student volunteers – trained by mental health professionals – address a range of personal and academic issues that affect student success.
This summer the University also launched a partnership with virtual health and wellness platform TimelyCare. The service offers students 24/7 access to medical and mental health providers, health coaching, basic needs resources and self-care tools like yoga and meditation.
According to its recent student health survey, the University has seen a decrease in students reporting psychological distress since 2023, with levels below the national average. These resources complement UAlbany’s existing medical and mental health services and are part of its ongoing commitment to student success and well-being.
“UAlbany’s recognition on The Princeton Review’s Mental Health Honor Roll for a second year affirms the power of our community’s shared commitment to student well-being. Through initiatives like TimelyCare, peer-to-peer support and our Counseling and Psychological Services team, we’re expanding access and reducing stigma. With the launch of exciting new opportunities this spring, the University will enhance our health, wellness and belonging efforts, ensuring every Great Dane has the care, resources, and community they need to thrive,” said Michael Christakis, vice president for student affairs and enrollment.
The University’s inclusion in the honor roll further supports the institution’s recent rankings as one of the top public colleges in the nation. UAlbany has been consistently recognized as one of the best colleges for social mobility and academic equity, offering low-income students — including first-generation students and those receiving financial aid — a diverse and affordable education.
The Princeton Review conducted the Mental Health Honor Roll in partnership with the Ruderman Family Foundation, an internationally recognized organization that works to end the stigma associated with mental health and to promote mental health resources and student awareness of them on college campuses. They surveyed college administrators nationwide, as well as students at more than 300 colleges and universities about their school's mental health and wellness services. Over 9,000 college applicants and their parents were also surveyed on whether having information about a college's mental health and wellness services would affect their consideration of the school.