Accessing Mental Health Services at College: A First-Year Student’s Guide to Mental Health Resources
Starting college is an exciting time! It’s an opportunity to gain independence, explore your passions, discover new interests, meet new people, and learn about yourself and the world around you.
But, it can also feel overwhelming - especially for first-year students. You may experience feelings of homesickness or overwhelm, or find it challenging to adapt to a new routine. You may also realize that, despite being in a new environment, you are still dealing with the same feelings you struggled with before you packed your bags and arrived on move-in day. It’s common for college students to seek mental health support on campus for help in adjusting to a new environment, relationship concerns, anxiety/stress, depression, body image issues, navigating newly-found independence, and more.
Fortunately, colleges and universities are well-equipped to support students academically, socially, and emotionally. Here are some resources you can check out to support yourself as you navigate the transition to college:
Resident Advisors/Resident Directors: Residence halls on campus typically have a Resident Advisor (RA) or Resident Director (RD) living in the building. RAs are typically students who have been selected and trained to mentor and support students on campus. RDs are typically professional staff members who supervise RAs and address more complex concerns. Both are there to serve as a first line of support, and they can help you navigate what mental health resources are available to you on campus and connect you with any campus community groups.
Mental Health Services Department: Every campus will have a mental health services office (or counseling office) with trained/licensed professionals on staff who will typically offer individual, short-term counseling. Appointments are generally required, but the office may also offer some drop-in hours (and many also offer telehealth appointments). While it is important to check with your specific counseling office, the services provided by the campus counseling center are typically already included in your campus fees.
Confidentiality: Confidentiality is an important aspect of a therapeutic relationship. Information about your appointments, visits, or anything else relating to your mental health won’t be released to other departments, your professors, or anyone else without prior consent. College counseling services, however, are governed by law and professional ethics the same way a private practice or community agency would be. Exceptions to confidentiality would include: a concern that you are in danger of harming yourself or someone else, suspected child abuse, or a court order.
Individual Counseling: These counseling sessions are typically by appointment and will be facilitated by a professional counselor. Individual counseling will help address any issues or presenting problems that might be causing distress or interfering with your academic or personal goals. These sessions are designed to benefit you, and you can discuss anything that feels relevant to you.
Group Counseling: Many counseling offices will also offer group counseling. These groups are facilitated by trained clinicians in the office and the participants are other students on campus. Group counseling can provide a safe and collaborative space where participants can learn from one another, offer support, and be part of a community with others who may be experiencing similar issues or feelings. Common group focuses are: body image, anxiety/stress, substance use/abuse, and grief.
Consultation/Referrals: If, after meeting with a clinician at your counseling office, it is determined that you would benefit from more long-term support, the counseling staff should be able to provide you with local referrals for in-person counseling or telehealth. Some college campuses may have psychiatric nurses available, but not all counseling offices offer medication management. If you are looking for a psychiatrist or another provider to manage your medication, you may need to be referred to a local clinician.
Crisis Intervention: Typically, your campus counseling staff will have a clinician on call to address any mental health emergencies during school sessions. This often includes support after business hours.
Workshops: Check with your campus counseling office to see if they are offering student workshops. These workshops may cover any mental health topic, but some common topics include meditation/mindfulness, anxiety reduction, executive functioning skills, and improving sleep hygiene.
Wellness spaces: Your campus may have specific areas dedicated to wellness. Examples of wellness spaces include: a meditation room, yoga classes/rooms, a craft/art room, or a comfortable space to gather with games, books, and mindfulness tools. These spaces can be really helpful when you just need a moment to disconnect from the busyness of college life.
Community Programming: A really meaningful component of college life is finding sources of connection. It’s so common for students to feel a little lost or disconnected from the campus community when they first arrive. This can exacerbate feelings of loneliness, homesickness, overwhelm, or stress. Check in with your Resident Advisor or your Office of Student Life to explore what clubs, student organizations, or events are happening on campus that you might be interested in exploring. These events can range from large concerts with well-known musical artists to baking cookies in a residence hall with a group of potential new friends. Many schools also have activities and experiences specifically designed for first-year students. These are a great opportunity to connect with other students who might be looking to meet new people, discover a new hobby, or simply find ways to feel more connected to the campus community.
While your campus likely has opportunities to care for your mental health on a day-to-day basis, it is important to be informed and prepared for a crisis. Students should become familiar with on-campus or local referrals for emergency services such as suicide prevention services, mental health crisis support services, and medical emergency services.
You should also be aware of signs that you or someone you care about might benefit from additional support:
Significant changes in eating or sleeping habits
Feelings of hopelessness
Engaging in self-harm or injury
Substance abuse
Decline in hygiene habits
Social isolation
It’s ok to ask questions and ask for help; you’re not alone, and you don’t have to do it alone on campus. Have a great start to the school year, and remember to take care of yourself.
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