Abstract
The COVID-19 global pandemic has impacted individuals, families, communities, and businesses economically and financially. Current literature focused on the implications of the COVID-19 pandemic have suggested that behavioral health outcomes will be a result of the COVID-19 prevalence. The present study explored the implications of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health and mental health service access for college-aged young adults. The researcher hypothesized that the COVID-19 pandemic directly impacted the mental health of college-students and decreased their access to mental health services. Additionally, the researcher hypothesized that students experienced financial disruption in the global pandemic. The researcher conducted a secondary data utilizing an online survey from a sample of 3,565 college students enrolled in university campuses across the United States. A chi-square test of independence was used to analyze the data and assess the results. The present study found that a statistical relationship exists between the following groups: socioeconomic status and financial security disruption; gender and mental health, race/ethnicity and financial disruption; and race/ethnicity and mental health service access. No correlation or difference existed between the groups: socioeconomic status and mental health service access; gender and financial security disruption; gender and mental health service access; and race/ethnicity and mental health. Professionals within the field of social work can utilize the findings from this study to inform future research and implement the best practices tailored toward client needs and outcomes while strengthening service deliverance.