Mental Health Services on College Campuses

Over the past few years, the discussion around mental health has widened to include a new focus on college students. Between the mental health community, public administrators, and legislators, college students now have a variety of mental health services available on campus.

In this article, we’re going to take a closer look at some of the mental health services on college campuses.

Mental Health Services on College Campuses

A report shared by the American Psychological Association announces college students are utilizing campus mental health services now more than ever before.

This is great news!

College students face many stressors each day. They can quickly become overloaded with studying for exams, completing assignments, writing papers, working part-time, financial debt, social pressures and more.

These stressors can lead to feelings of anxiety and depression. They may even lead to substance abuse and addiction.

Some college students have been previously diagnosed with a mental health disorder and these stressors only exacerbate the problem.

The leaders of college campuses are recognizing the severity of students with mental health issues and they are taking great strides to meet their needs. Seeking the assistance of experts in the field of mental health and addiction, student programs are being put into place.

They have the goal of helping students cope with their mental health problems without deterring them from graduating. Providing mental health services on college campuses is proving to be extremely beneficial.

The next step is to get the word out to students about the specific mental health services available to them on campus.

Below are some of the most common services established to offer students help.

Partial Hospitalization (PHP) and Day Treatment

With PHP, students attend treatment for a significant part of their day, for up to seven days a week. During treatment they work on their mental health or substance abuse issues. While not in treatment, the student can attend college, work, and will maintain their normal residence.

Day Treatment is another way partial hospitalization is represented. During the day, students are considered full-time residents of the treatment center. During the day, students work on the issues that are challenging their success in college.

Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)

Participating in an intensive outpatient program while in college means you will attend treatment programs three or four days each week, for multiple hours each day. IOP therapists provide both group and individual therapies to help you address and overcome mental health and addiction issues.

With IOP, you can live on campus and continue your normal lifestyle. However, you will need to build your course schedule and any part-time work around your treatment program.

Weekly Therapy

For college students struggling with mental health issues or addictions that are becoming a problem, but not yet disrupting your entire college lifestyle, outpatient programs have a lot to offer.

Each week, you can meet with a mental health or addictions therapist to get your life back on track. Together, you will develop goals and create a treatment plan that monitors your progress.

Outpatient programs are part-time so you will continue your normal life while not in therapy, except now you will be implementing techniques to help you avoid relapses.

On-going Check-ins

Once you have completed your treatment program, and before you are discharged completely from treatment, you can participate in check-ins with your therapist.

These are offered to ensure you are continuing to work your recovery program after you have completed treatment. Check-ins can take place two or three times a month or maybe even less depending on your progress.

Check-ins also give you a chance to re-enter treatment if you find you are struggling.

Mentoring and Monitoring

There have been many college students before you to struggle with, and recover from, mental health disorders and substance abuse or addiction. The students who have successfully overcome their issues want to help you in your journey to recovery.

Campus programs have peer mentoring services that allow you to work one on one with a peer who knows exactly what you are going through. You meet at least once a week to share your progress or attend activities and events together.

Peer mentors can show you how to have fun in college, without the use of substances, and without putting your mental health at risk.

To help monitor your progress, you may be given drug tests or another action that helps you remain accountable. Group and individual counseling are also available at this level of care.

Sober-Living Residences

College campuses are thinking outside the box, finding ways to help college students get help while also finishing their college degree.

Sober-Living residencies allow students to live in a drug and alcohol-free dorms and apartments with other students in recovery. While the residences are student-led, they are clinically supervised by staff.

The idea is for students in recovery to help one another stay sober and offer support in times of struggle.

Supervision and Support

Students have round the clock access to peer and clinical support as needed. If a student has an urge to use substances, they can have immediate access to a peer to help them overcome the urge.

Individual Treatment Provider Support

Students living in sober residences receive weekly treatment with a mental health or addictions counselor. During these meetings, you will discuss your progress and find ways to improve your recovery experience.

Individual and Group Monitoring

Students living in sober living housing are expected to attend weekly meetings with peers and clinical staff, as well as recovery meetings. In addition, students will be able to attend sober social events and activities.

Students will also be drug tested randomly to make sure sobriety is being maintained.

Inpatient Treatment Services

Students are assessed at the time they seek services.

Some students are still using drugs or alcohol or are having a mental breakdown. In cases like this, students will be referred for inpatient treatment until they are considered stable enough to step down to PHP or intensive outpatient services.

Conclusion

In conclusion, no matter what your issue, there is help on campus.

With all these positive services, students can continue pursuing educational goals while also finding solutions to their mental health problems.

If you are struggling, reach out to the mental health service providers on your campus today.