Mental health conditions like depression and anxiety often come to the surface with symptoms that become more noticeable in young adulthood. There are several reasons for this: First, this is a crucial period of development for the prefrontal cortex. Also, you get more opportunities to explore your identity as an individual at this age. And most people start to take on more independence and bigger responsibilities during this time.
If you’re feeling both anxiety and depression, you’re not the only one. Dealing with so much change at one time is stressful. Navigating college life and making adult decisions can feel like a lot of pressure.
You’re doing the right thing by seeking out mental health resources and exploring your options. This article covers some types of treatment for anxiety and depression that may be helpful.
What kinds of treatments can help college students with depression and anxiety?
Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and major depressive disorder (MDD) are conditions unto themselves. However, depression and anxiety can show up as symptoms of other conditions, like trauma disorders or bipolar disorder. The first step to finding the right type of treatment for you is getting assessed by a professional. You should come away with a possible diagnosis and some treatment recommendations.
There are a few different levels of treatment that can be helpful for anxiety and depression. Many of them can include both therapy and medication. Outpatient therapy is considered one of the primary levels of treatment. Most therapists aren’t medical professionals, so you’d have to see a physician, a nurse practitioner or a psychiatrist if you think medication might be necessary. Higher levels of mental health treatment, like the ones listed below, often combine multiple types of therapy with psychiatrists available under the same roof.
Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)
Partial Hospitalization is a type of Day Treatment Program that offers a high level of care without housing clients overnight. (Clients who need overnight nursing support go to Residential Treatment Centers.) These programs typically last a few months, and clients attend treatment for up to six hours each day. Being in an immersive treatment setting is great when you’re seeking treatment for complex conditions for the first time. It’s also a good refresher to help you through times of crisis.
In a PHP, your care team will consist of a case manager, a primary therapist, a psychiatrist, yourself and any family members you wish to involve in your healing process. Many programs integrate peer support groups, mindfulness techniques, yoga and other complementary treatments.
Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)
An Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) is a bit like a PHP, but sessions start at three hours per day. Clients may only need to attend treatment a few days a week instead of all five weekdays. An IOP is good for clients transitioning out of a PHP and those who don’t need quite as much support. While a PHP focuses more on getting to the root of the issue and exploring core beliefs, an IOP gives clients more opportunities to get back into daily routines and apply what they’ve learned.
Virtual Intensive Outpatient Program (vIOP)
At Lightfully Behavioral Health, we have a virtual IOP that’s great for college students with busy schedules. It’s just as effective as our in-person IOP program, and you get the same amount of treatment. In some cases, it has a higher completion rate. Many clients prefer telehealth, and tuning in from home results in fewer missed appointments. Lightfully U is our vIOP option for college-age clients between 18 and 25.
Short-term treatment options
At certain times of the year, we offer a Short-Term Option for all levels of programming. These can be great for the transition into summer after a long academic year. Consider short-term treatment if you want to focus on your mental health during a break in your busy schedule, if you’re trying a higher level of care for the first time, or if you just need a quick refresher.
Looking for comprehensive mental health treatment? Explore your options at Lightfully
Starting at a higher level of mental health treatment can give you a comprehensive introduction and a break to reconnect and reset. Outpatient therapy and medication management can help you maintain your mental wellness in the long term. And if you should ever need more intensive care again in the future, you’ll have a good sense of what level to start with.
Our licensed clinicians in the Lightfully U program have a heart for helping young adults get grounded and see how bright their future can be. They can help you through this period of soul-searching and healing so you can grow confident in your own independence. And the friends you’ll make in group sessions will be there to support you all the way.
Are you looking for answers? Get in touch with an Admissions Counselor and let’s talk about scheduling an assessment. You’ve got a lot of success ahead of you. We want to help you see it for yourself!
