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I am Dr. Astrid Heathcote, a licensed clinical psychologist with more than 25 years of experience helping individuals with challenges they face going through life. I am licensed and available across over 40 states in the United States via convenient telehealth services

So, why are today's college students dealing with mental health struggles more than previous generations? Many factors may come into play here, starting with the simple fact that talking about mental health has become less stigmatized. As a result, students who may have tried to sweep their problems under the rug now feel comfortable disclosing their struggles to friends, loved ones, and mental health professionals.

Consider, too, that more college students are working their way through school. Recent estimates suggest that 43 percent of full-time students and 81 percent of part-time students are working while enrolled in school. Unfortunately, the added stress and time commitment involved with working while in school can negatively impact a student's mental health.

The combination of working,  college life pressures and social media stress to portray the "perfect" college lifestyle, and trying to ace every exam and class results in unrealistic expectations and pressures. This leads to increased stress in college, anxiety disorders, and even depression among students.

So, what exactly does a college student stand to gain from therapy? Ultimately, this will boil down to what the student wants to work on—but there are some key benefits to therapy for college students worth noting. I have supported people deal with various mental health concerns, including anxiety, PTSD, depression, ADHD, Autism. However, guidance by a professional psychologist might be helpful for unique life challenges that do not imply “what is wrong” but provide guidance and direction. I use evidence-based approaches like CBT, ACT, and DBT and always begin with a collaborative effort to learn what matters to you by developing a plan that is helpful and practical for everyday use.

Many students face significant mental health problems for the first time in college. Feelings of depression, anxiety, and other mental health struggles can be difficult (or even impossible) to deal with without proper help.

Communicating these struggles with an experienced and knowledgeable therapist can help college students develop the coping strategies and tools they need to overcome their mental health challenges and receive proper treatment.

From guided imagery and relaxation techniques to mindfulness exercises and cognitive-behavioral therapy, there are many methods that college students can explore with their therapist. Best of all, these strategies are completely personalized for the student based on their specific needs.

Start by exploring the mental health resources that may be available through your school. These days, many colleges and universities offer counseling, therapy, and other mental health resources on campus and online. From there, take some time to explore your options when it comes to therapists, understanding that not all therapists will be the right fit for you.

Before your first therapy appointment, write down any symptoms you may be experiencing so you can discuss them with your provider. It is also a good idea to write down a list of the things you'd like to get out of therapy, whether it be resilience building, mindfulness exercises, relaxation techniques, or other strategies to help you.

As you can see, there are many benefits that college students can enjoy when they attend therapy or counseling sessions. From having a safe space to express their emotions to better navigating major life transitions, therapy for students is almost always worth exploring. If you're a college student, be sure to explore the mental health resources available through your school and take advantage of them.

Call me for a free consultation:

602-245-9177