How To Find Online Student Resources For Mental Health Assistance

College can be challenging, but the right student resources may make the journey easier. From academic support to health services, these resources often help students succeed both in and out of the classroom. Whether it's accessing resources for specific personal needs or using online platforms for mental health support, students have a wealth of tools at their disposal.

Need help navigating student resources?

Counselors are here to provide support

The importance of mental health support for students

Many students facing academic pressure, financial stress, and personal challenges require mental health support. Life challenges can lead to anxiety, depression, and other mental health concerns. By providing resources, schools and colleges can help students manage these concerns. Access to counseling, workshops, and mental health apps are some ways schools might support students.

Questions families may want to ask:

1. What mental health services are available at the institution?
2. How can students access these services?
3. Are there emergency contacts for mental health crises?

Ways to manage campus life and mental health

Balancing campus life and mental health generally involves time management, self-care, and support. Maintaining routines and connecting with others may bolster overall mental health and well-being.

Time management strategies

Effective time management may reduce stress and improve success in college. Prioritizing tasks with a planner or digital tool can help students track assignments, tests, and social activities. Breaking tasks into smaller, manageable parts may also make studying less overwhelming.

Self-care and coping skills

Self-care can be key to maintaining mental health. Regular exercise, such as walking or joining a sports team, may reduce stress and boost mood. Adequate sleep can be vital; students may aim for seven to nine hours per night to stay focused and energized. Mindfulness practices, including yoga and meditation, may help manage stress and anxiety. 

Building a support network

Having a strong support network while living on campus may improve mental health. Friends, parents, and peers can provide emotional support and practical help during tough times. Building relationships with classmates through study groups can promote a sense of community and belonging. Joining clubs or organizations on campus can expand your network and provide a valuable support system.

Developing productive habits

Productive habits may improve both academic performance and mental health. Creating a consistent routine with regular study times, physical activity, and leisure can provide structure and stability. Avoid distractions like social media during study time. Set realistic goals and break them down into achievable steps to keep motivation high.

Seeking professional help

Some mental health challenges may require professional help. Many campuses offer free or low-cost counseling services for students. A therapist may be able to provide coping strategies and a place to discuss personal challenges.

Using an academic calendar to manage stress

An academic calendar can help students manage their tasks and reduce stress. Students can visualize their workload by listing class schedules, assignment due dates, and extracurricular activities.

Tools like Google Calendar, Apple iCal, or a traditional paper planner can be used. Many students prefer digital calendars that they can access on their phones. Others like the tactile experience of writing in a paper planner.

To get started, prioritize tasks by urgency and importance. Make sure to include study sessions, breaks, and downtime to stay balanced. Regular updates to the calendar and flexibility for unexpected events can be key.

Where to find online mental health counseling services 

Students may be able to find online mental health counseling services in various ways. One option is to check with your university's counseling center or student health services.

Many universities offer free or low-cost online counseling services for students, and these services may help them manage the challenges they face. Additionally, university counseling centers can often provide referrals to trusted online counseling platforms if their resources are fully booked or unavailable.

Another way to find online mental health counseling services is to ask friends and family for referrals. Personal recommendations can be valuable, as they come from trusted sources who have had positive experiences with specific counselors or platforms. In addition, students can search online for reputable mental health counseling services. 

Numerous websites and apps offer professional counseling, often with the option to choose a counselor who fits an individual’s personal preferences. Lastly, students can speak with their primary care provider, who may be able to recommend reliable online counseling services or provide a referral to a specialist.

Accessing disability support services

Students with disabilities have several options for accessing support services. After receiving acceptance letters, it can be important to start this process as soon as possible. That way, you have enough time to arrange the necessary accommodations.

To access support, students can self-reveal their needs to their college's disability services office. Students may want to request academic adjustments, auxiliary aids, or other services.

Different colleges offer various forms of support. Accommodations can range from note-taking assistance and extended test time to accessible learning materials. Registering early with your college’s disability resource center can help ensure that accommodations are in place when the semester begins.

Be proactive in reaching out to these services. They are meant to support your academic success and ensure equal access to education.

Is there financial aid for mental health services?

Students may be able to access different forms of financial aid for mental health services. These options might include campus resources, government programs, and personal arrangements.

Types of financial aid available for mental health services

• Campus resources: Many colleges provide mental health services at no cost. Students can access counseling and therapy sessions through their school's mental health services. Check with your campus health center to understand what's available.
• Government programs: Federally funded programs like Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHC) are also available. These centers may offer mental health services on a sliding-scale basis based on your ability to pay.
• Nonprofits: Numerous nonprofits may provide financial assistance or low-cost mental health services. Search for local organizations that offer resources aligned with your specific needs.
• Individual therapists: Some individual therapists offer income-based arrangements for students. It's often worthwhile to discuss financial concerns directly with therapists, as they may be willing to adjust fees based on your situation.

Other online resources to find information on mental health

Finding mental health resources can be challenging for students who face various difficulties. Resources may help with academic demands, social challenges, and financial worries. 

• On-campus health centers: Many universities provide counseling and mental health services directly on campus.
• Online therapy platforms: Services like BetterHelp offer access to licensed therapists online.
• National organizations: The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) provides extensive resources and support.
• Support groups: Colleges often have peer support groups focused on mental health.
• Crisis hotlines: Immediate help is available through hotlines like the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (988).

There are numerous online and on-campus resources available. Take the first step to reach out and find the support you need.

Benefits of online therapy for students

Many students face challenges that can affect their mental health. Although some students may prefer in-person therapy sessions, online therapy can be just as effective as traditional therapy. A 2022 study compared online video counseling to in-person counseling for college students with mild to moderate anxiety. Out of 49 students, both groups showed significant improvements in their anxiety levels, with no major differences between the two methods. 

Online therapy may offer several benefits, including the following:

Flexibility with academic calendar

Students often juggle classes, homework, and extracurricular activities. Online therapy can fit into busy schedules since sessions can be booked at times that are convenient. Whether it's during a break between classes or late at night, students have more options for accessing care. This flexibility may prevent the need to miss important academic events or deadlines in order to attend therapy. Students can also adjust their therapy schedule to accommodate exam periods or project deadlines.

Accessibility for those who need disability support

For students with disabilities, traveling to a therapist's office can be challenging. Online therapy can remove this barrier by allowing sessions to take place at home. Increased accessibility can ensure that students with physical or mobility issues receive the same quality care as others. Improved accessibility may also reduce the stress and anxiety associated with travel and physical barriers.

Integration with campus life

Online therapy can integrate with campus life. Many universities are now partnering with online therapy providers to offer services through student portals. This integration may help students access therapy as part of their regular routine, much like visiting the campus health clinic. Students can also participate in therapy from different locations, such as their dorm rooms or study lounges.

Need help navigating student resources?

Counselors are here to provide support

Easy access to information and resources

One of the key benefits of online therapy is the easy access to various mental health resources. Online platforms often provide articles, self-help tools, and community forums that students can access anytime. This information can complement therapy sessions by offering additional support. For example, a student learning about anxiety in therapy can find articles on coping strategies through the same platform.

Complementary to campus counseling services

Online therapy may complement on-campus counseling services. While campus counselors may have limited availability, online therapists usually offer more flexible scheduling options. Extended availability can ensure that students who can't secure campus appointments still receive the support they need. Additionally, online therapy can serve students during holidays or breaks when campus services might be closed.