Brian Guest, former student at his job. Counseling and psychiatric services at Midwest universities are straining under the increased demand from students who are entering schools with more serious illnesses than seen before. A 2011 national survey of counseling center directors found increases in students who are on psychiatric medication and longer wait times for services at counseling centers. Like other counseling centers, more students at the University of Illinois are are diagnosed with severe issues such as depression and anxiety than in years past. Counseling centers also lack enough mental health providers to meet the demand and to meet recommended staffing levels.At the UI counseling center on Friday, Feb. 3, 2012.