At Remitly, we’re committed to supporting you in your academic journey. Oftentimes, the transition to higher education can come with lots of adjustments and challenges, especially for international students. You’re experiencing many new things and, as a result, you might need some new support structures.
In this article, we’ll go over the different types of mental health support available on college campuses. It’s okay to ask for help when you need it, and college campuses typically have a wide variety of options for support services available, so you can find the one that’s right for you.
Why are college mental health services necessary?
Mental health challenges are becoming more prevalent among college students. Studies show that over 60% of learners will tackle at least one mental health issue during their time on campus, and various stressors only intensify the problem.
Addressing these underlying problems is essential to a student’s academic success and overall well-being. It also promotes a more enjoyable college experience. But to do it successfully, we need to understand the difficulties students commonly face and how campus mental health resources can help address them.
Anxiety and depression
When you go to college, you’ll face personal, academic and social stressors you’ve probably never experienced before. And if you’re coming from abroad, unique challenges like visa issues, work permits and other legal issues could make it much harder to feel settled. That’s why anxiety is one of the most reported mental health problems among college students in the US, next to depression.
Financial strain
Stressing about finances is a big part of the college experience for many students. Paying for accommodation and rising tuition costs could cause significant strain, especially if you don’t have any family locally to fall back on.
Coupled with the cost of books, soaring living expenses, visa fees, student loan debt, and fears about finding a job after, financial worries can be a major cause of anxiety and stress.
Academic pressure
Expect your workload to increase dramatically in college. And unlike high school, the courses are more demanding, with stricter deadlines and expectations for high grades, especially if you’re on a scholarship.
International learners face some unique challenges in this area. You probably feel intense pressure to succeed academically, whether self-imposed, from high-achieving parents, or from family back home. Being in a new environment and an unfamiliar education system might also fuel performance anxiety, making it much harder to focus and do your best.
Family stress
Speaking about family, parental expectations can be a significant cause of strain. As a foreign student, coming to study in the US is often a point of pride for your family, and you might feel the burden to do well at school and secure a good job. This could cause a paralyzing fear of failure.
Some students could be expected to juggle studies and supporting family back home, adding to the stress.
Homesickness
Most people don’t appreciate how hard it can be to navigate the college experience while you’re far from your usual support network. Forming new friendships, adjusting to a new schedule, and even dealing with the culture shock can be overwhelming and make it harder to excel in your studies.
At the same time, you might also have to overcome language barriers and adapt to entirely new social norms and communication styles. These difficulties could be a hurdle to settling in and creating meaningful relationships.
How does free therapy for students fit in?
In most schools, campus mental health resources are offered as part of the tuition. And now that you know which stressors to look out for, it will be easier to seek help if you need it.
In case you notice yourself feeling vulnerable to any one of these stressors, you might be wondering where to get mental health support at college campuses. Below, we discuss some popular options for accessing college mental health services.
Campus counseling centers
A campus counseling center is usually related to the student health center. It is a physical resource located on-site that provides mental health and other support services to students.
Check out your student campus counseling center help offerings to learn about free and confidential private counseling, support groups, and crisis intervention. Typically, you can make an appointment at the office, online, or by phone. Log in to your student web portal or stop by the office on campus to find out more about how to access your campus counseling center.
Most of the programs and services offered through the student health center or campus counseling center will be included in your tuition and student health insurance, so you won’t have to worry about straining your budget. In fact, you should consider these services already paid for and take advantage of them to the best of your ability.
Peer-support and student-led programs
Although the campus counseling center will provide you with access to mental health professionals, it’s common to also find peer support groups and student-led programs. These offerings might make mental health and wellness feel more accessible and less clinical for students and young people.
Because it’s sometimes easier to talk to someone who just gets what you’re going through, campus counseling centers often offer access to peer listeners. If you’re looking to gain more information about different wellness offerings on campus, you can also contact your resident assistant (RA) in your dorm or the student wellness ambassador.
24/7 emergency support
College and university studies can be a very difficult time of life. Students are often living away from home for the first time in their lives. Coping with these changes while also under pressure to perform academically can be a lot to handle. If you or someone you know is in an immediate mental health crisis and needs support, there are solutions.
On campus services
College campus health centers have their own crisis hotlines. Often, this number is listed on your student ID.
Alternatively, if you live in campus housing, you can always contact your RA at any time if there is an emergency.
Nationally accessible services
You can also contact emergency services that are available in your area. The US National Crisis Line is accessible by calling or texting 988. If there is an immediate medical emergency, you can always dial 911.
Wellness and stress-relief programs
Campus counseling centers typically focus on promoting mental health and wellness in all forms. This means that they’re focused not only on crisis situations, but also on maintaining overall mental well-being.
Counseling centers will often offer meditation sessions, wellness coaching, and group therapy. They will also provide workshops on topics that specifically relate to student mental wellness. For example, they might have programs on academic stress support, time management, and exam anxiety help.
Campus counseling centers are typically welcoming, quiet, calm spaces. Consider taking a break at your campus counseling center when you need to relax or disconnect from the hustle and bustle of your daily life on campus.
Support for international and ESL students
If you are an international student or an ESL learner, the campus counseling center will have specific support for you. Often, therapists are language-sensitive. If there is no therapist who matches your native language, it might be possible to get the help of an interpreter. Inquire with your student health center to understand the options for ESL students.
If you’re an international student, your university’s campus counseling center can point you to cultural adjustment groups, global student support centers, and affinity groups that can help make your transition to a new country—and connection to your home country—easier.
Your mental health is worth it!
Maintaining your mental health and wellness is one of the keys to your success as a student. It will continue to be a part of your success as you move forward in your career. If you’ve never purposefully engaged with mental health support, consider doing so in college. After all—your university years are a time to learn new things.
Your feelings matter. Reach out to your campus counseling center, a trusted advisor, or the 988 Lifeline if you think you may need help—so many people are here to support you.
FAQs
Is campus counseling really confidential?
Yes. The information shared during counseling sessions is confidential with a few exceptions. If a therapist believes that you are an immediate and real threat to your own safety or the safety of others, or believes that elder or child abuse might be occurring, they may be legally or ethically required to disclose this information.
What if I don’t “look” depressed, but still feel overwhelmed?
Depression, stress, anxiety, and other mental health challenges are not “one size fits all”—they present differently for everyone. Even if you don’t seem depressed in the way that you assume most people do, a feeling of constantly being overwhelmed is reason enough to seek support.
Can I get help even if I’m not in a crisis?
Yes. Mental wellness is an essential part of your overall health. Just like you’d go to an annual physical checkup even if you’re not experiencing any particular illness, you can attend counseling sessions or take advantage of mental health support as part of your regular wellness routine.
Are mental health services included in my tuition?
Yes, basic mental health services are typically included in the health insurance plan that is required for your enrollment at university. You don’t have to worry about breaking the bank! Generally, most college health insurance plans support 6-12 private counseling sessions per academic year. More advanced services might be provided at an additional cost. Consult your student health center to understand what’s included in your health insurance plan.