The collegiate years bring a lot of big changes, and on the outside, it can seem as if everyone is coping really well. As it turns out, however, more college students are struggling with mental health than you think. College students that are trying to find their purpose and create a plan for their life so they need mental health resources more than ever. Fortunately, a college campus is the perfect place to find help.
At most college campuses, students do not have to pay extra to utilize counseling centers. The cost for this service is bundled up in the fees that colleges charge every student (it is part of the “fees” of the “tuition and fees”). Essentially, each student at college is paying for this service – so you might as well use them!
Each college provides their own individual approach to counseling, but students at most colleges will find an array of therapy opportunities available to them. They may include group therapy, individual therapy, couples counseling, crisis counseling and other related services and consultations concerning others.
It can be daunting to ask for help if you’re struggling, but as it turns out, it’s very easy. Students can contact counseling services on campus for themselves – or they can have a friend reach out on their behalf. Some counseling centers even offer anonymous mental health screenings on their website. Taking the quiz to assess mental health may nudge a student to make an appointment.
Typically, a counselor will want to meet the student for a brief assessment. This assessment will determine if there are in fact any underlying issues – or if students are experiencing very normal thoughts and feelings. Regardless, the counselor will then discuss treatment options with the student.
Depending on the issue, four or five sessions may be enough or they may ask to meet until they feel the student has made healing progress. In some cases, a counselor will refer a student to a mental health counselor that is off campus. This is for special circumstances that a campus counselor feels he or she may be inadequate to address. Students should be rest assured, though, that campus mental health centers have great working relationships with outside providers in the community. A student is in excellent hands with a counselor or therapist that is off-campus.
The stigma of mental health is being broken down more and more every day thanks to worldwide, national and campus programming. Students should not be afraid to seek help and guidance if they feel that they are struggling. In fact, it’s very normal to feel as if you are struggling as a college student – why not meet with someone who will advocate for your mental well-being?
If reaching out to your campus counseling center seems too overwhelming, share your story with a friend or resident assistant (RA). They can make calls or send emails for you or attend your initial assessment with you. Admitting that you’re not ok is ok. Get help on campus – it’s included in your tuition, safe and confidential, and the best thing you can do for your mental health.