Your Guide To College Counseling Services For Mental Health
There are many elements of college life that can cause stress, anxiety, and other mental health challenges. That’s why college counseling services for mental health may be helpful for many students. Mental health counselors for college students—not to be confused with college counselors, which are academic advisors who help high school students apply to college—and therapists can provide coping strategies, offer emotional support, and help students manage anxiety and stress. Here, we’ll discuss what can make college life stressful and how you can receive support.
Factors that commonly affect student mental health
The current period has been deemed a college mental health crisis, with mental health concerns reaching record levels on college campuses around the world. A few of the factors that commonly affect college student mental health are listed below.
Busy schedules
Juggling classes, assignments, extracurricular activities, and social time can be overwhelming. Many students struggle to complete all their tasks on time, which may lead to late submissions and increased stress. Poor time management may result in cramming for exams, which can negatively affect grades as well as mental well-being. Some students may also believe they don’t have time for self-care, which can further impact their mental health.
Financial stress
The cost of college can be a burden for many students and their families. Tuition, textbooks, housing, and other expenses add up quickly. Many students work part-time or even full-time jobs to help cover these costs, which can detract from study time and add to stress. Financial aid and scholarships are sometimes available, but navigating these often-limited options can be difficult and stressful too.
Academic pressure
The desire to excel academically may also put pressure on students. Achieving high grades is often seen as crucial for future opportunities, and this pressure can lead to stress, anxiety, and even burnout. The sense of competition with other students that’s present on many college campuses may exacerbate this pressure.
Mental health challenges that require counselor support
Research suggests that rates of anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation have never been higher on college campuses than they are now. Symptoms of mental health challenges can affect mood, self-care abilities, academic performance, relationships, and physical health. Not knowing how to cope with symptoms or where to get help can exacerbate symptoms and overall stress.
If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts or urges, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988. Support is available 24/7.
Not knowing how to connect with counseling services or information
Even if you’re already aware that mental health support services for college students exist, it can be difficult to know where to begin. Especially if you're already experiencing mental health challenges, it can seem overwhelming to figure out how to connect with support.
What are college counseling services?
Examples include on-campus health clinics and counselors, crisis lines, and virtual mental health toolkits, among others. All students should be well informed that they can connect with these resources whenever they need in order to preserve their overall well-being.
What can college counseling services help with?
In general, college mental health counseling services are intended to support students with any mental health needs. Different services may be appropriate for different needs. For example, a student who is struggling to manage academic stress or homesickness might speak to an on-campus counselor to express their feelings and learn healthy coping strategies. A student who is experiencing symptoms of depression might connect with an on-campus therapist or get a referral from their on-campus health clinic for diagnosis and treatment. A student who is looking to build healthier self-care habits might make use of online mental health tookits and articles.
College admissions counseling vs. mental health counseling
The term “college counseling” can sometimes be confusing, as some might assume it refers to the academic support high school students may receive during the entire process of college admissions. While this is also a form of college counseling, it’s very different from the type of college counseling services a university student may take advantage of to support their mental health.
College admissions counseling focuses on guiding high school students through the college application process, including selecting schools, writing essays, and conducting interview and test prep. By offering advice and feedback on application materials, this type of college counselor may help improve a student’s chances of successful college admissions into their desired institutions. For example, if a particular student wanted to get into Stanford University, their counselor could help them through the college application process and admissions process to guide them toward their goal. A student could also work with Collegewise counselors or admissions officers to help fine-tune their applications.
Mental health counseling, on the other hand, is focused not on college applications but on a person's psychological well-being. This type of college counseling helps students cope with stress, anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. It involves therapeutic techniques to support emotional and psychological health. Therapy may be carried out through one-on-one or group sessions with a licensed counselor or therapist.
How to connect with a mental health counselor for support and information
If you're experiencing mental health challenges, you're not alone; there are resources available to help people in a variety of different situations address mental health concerns. For college students who want to connect with a counselor, the next step is usually to contact their on-campus health clinic or mental health resource center. For students who attend classes virtually, visiting their local community health center or asking their doctor for a referral can be helpful next steps. We’ll also talk about how to connect with a mental health counselor online below.
Resources for student support
Finding the right mental health resources for you can be difficult, especially if you don't know where to start. In this case, you might consider some of the options below:
- On-campus health centers. These centers are what is commonly referenced when people talk about “college counseling services.” Many schools have a center like this on campus where services like counseling, therapy, and referrals are provided to students as low-cost or free resources.
- National mental health organizations. Some well-known national mental health organizations that offer online resources and support specifically for students include the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) and the Jed Foundation.
- Peer support groups. Peer support groups and clubs focused on mental wellness are available at many schools. Some may be topic based, like coping with academic stress or grief, while others may be organized around a shared identity, such as mental health support groups for BIPOC students or LGBTQ+ students.
- Crisis helplines. If you are in need of immediate support, the Crisis Text Line (text HOME to 741741) and the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (dial 988) are available.
- Online therapy platforms. Online therapy can empower students who are on the waiting list at their college counseling center or who would simply prefer to meet with a therapist virtually to seek support in a way that works for them.
Benefits of online mental health therapy for college students
Online therapy offers many potential advantages for students, including increased convenience and flexibility. With this type of therapy, clients can receive a comprehensive evaluation to address mental health challenges without the hassle of having to travel to an office.
Online therapy may also be a more comfortable way for those affected by the stigma surrounding mental health to seek support. Students who may hesitate to reach out for help in person can connect with a provider from home instead—or anywhere they have an internet connection. They can also schedule sessions at convenient times, potentially making it easier to fit therapy into their busy lives.
Is therapy or college counseling effective for college students?
A growing body of research suggests that online therapy may be effective in addressing mental health challenges commonly faced by students. For example, researchers conducted an online group therapy program for university students during the COVID-19 pandemic to help reduce anxiety and depression. Out of 158 students who started the therapy program, as many as 79% reported experiencing improvement in their symptoms.
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