The Crisis in College Mental Health: An Interview with Pardis Mahdavi, PhD

The Modern Therapist's Survival Guide with Curt Widhalm and Katie Vernoy

The Crisis in College Mental Health: An Interview with Dr. Pardis Mahdavi, PhD

Curt Widhalm and Katie Vernoy talk with Dr. Pardis Mahdavi about the growing mental-health crisis among college students. Pardis shares insights from her years in higher education leadership—revealing how rising costs, outdated systems, and lack of purpose are driving student anxiety and burnout. Together they explore what therapists, universities, and communities can do to realign education with meaning, wellbeing, and real-world readiness.

About Our Guest: Dr. Pardis Mahdavi, Ph.D.

Pardis Mahdavi is an author, educator, and entrepreneur whose work spans human rights, education policy, and consciousness. A former university president and provost, she is the author of seven nonfiction books including The Book of Queens (Hachette Books, 2023) and Riding (Duke University Press, 2024). She currently leads Entheon Journeys and The Bondery House, fostering connection and expanded awareness.

Key Takeaways for Therapists

• College students face unprecedented levels of anxiety and depression—driven by systemic disconnection, financial stress, and unclear purpose.
• Higher education often fails to evolve with societal change, leaving students feeling unprepared and unseen.
• Preventive supports like mindfulness and mentorship should be built into the college experience.
• Therapists can help students find meaning, manage uncertainty, and advocate for collaborative care across campus systems.

Full show notes: mtsgpodcast.com

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Creative Credits:

Voice Over by DW McCann
Music by Crystal Grooms Mangano