Mental health disorders in college students are at an all-time high. In a recent school year, over 60% of college students met the criteria for at least one mental health problem. Universities are facing rising demands for more mental health services for their students. That’s why Lightfully U is partnering with UC SHIP to offer online therapy for college students. Mental health issues are nothing to be ashamed of. The most important thing is to reach out if you need help.

Therapy can be very beneficial for college students, but busy schedules don’t always allow time for it. Online therapy for college students offers flexibility and support for those who need it the most. No matter what mental health challenges you’re dealing with, you don’t have to navigate it alone. We’re here to help you find a treatment plan that works for your needs.

What do college students struggle with the most?

The college years coincide with age of onset for several common mental health conditions. Individuals who have received a mental health diagnosis before college may struggle to maintain their coping strategies as they adjust to their new environment. In addition, a taxing class schedule and living in a new place may increase any underlying issues. Here’s a list of some common disorders college students face:

• Depression and other mood disorders — Bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder and complicated grief are all common forms of mood disorders. These disorders can cause tiredness, lack of concentration, or persistent sadness. If you are experiencing severe depression or have thoughts of harming yourself, call or text 988, the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, for immediate support.
• Anxiety — Most people have some anxiety as a normal reaction to stressful situations. If your anxiety is persistent and is accompanied by intense emotions that seem disproportionate to the situation, you may have an anxiety disorder. Diagnoses for anxiety disorders include generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and social anxiety disorder.
• Personality disorders — Personality disorders are often described as an occurrence of extreme personality traits that interfere with your everyday life and well-being. Borderline personality disorder, narcissistic personality disorder, avoidant personality disorder and histrionic personality disorder are all personality disorders.
• Trauma-related disorders — If you have gone through a period of trauma, you may have developed post-traumatic stress disorder. 

Mental health challenges worsen in isolation. But with support, recovery and balance are possible. It’s crucial to seek help as early as possible to prevent symptoms from becoming more disruptive or even dangerous.

How online therapy can help college students

You might feel too busy or stressed to seek out therapy. We want to make it as easy as possible for you to get the help you deserve, so Lightfully U has partnered with UC SHIP to provide online therapy for college students.

Together, we’re broadening college students’ access to mental health care. Our Virtual Intensive Outpatient Program (vIOP) offers online therapy for college students that is as effective as in-person treatment. In addition, clients don’t need to go anywhere except to their laptop. This makes it easier than ever to access mental health care. Here are a few of the things our vIOP includes:

• Weekly individual sessions with your primary therapist 
• Biweekly family therapy sessions
• An initial psychiatric assessment 
• Weekly group sessions with a licensed provider
• Medication support and autonomy
• Autonomous life application practice
• Alumni workshops and resources

At Lightfully, we use process-based therapy (PBT) to better assist our clients. Using integrated interventions, PBT helps our licensed clinical experts develop a unique program centered around your needs. This way, you can benefit from a personalized, holistic mental health treatment designed specifically for you. And you can access online therapy from the comfort of your home or dorm room.

Get the treatment you need

When you’re struggling with mental health challenges, it can be difficult to know where to turn for help. Lightfully U and UC SHIP want to make it easy for you to reach out and get the care you need. 

The framework of our clinic consists of evidence-based, clearly defined, data-driven and whole-person-centered care. In addition, Lightfully accepts all commercial insurances, including insurance from UC SHIP. If you’re a UC student in need of mental health services, it’s time to reach out. Online therapy for college students can make a huge positive impact on your mental health.

Change is possible. When you’re ready to take the first step, reach out to our Admissions Concierge Team. We’ll take the next steps together, toward the fullest, brightest version of you.