College can be an exciting time. It often comes with exciting new learning opportunities, friendships and personal growth. However, college can also be stressful. Balancing schoolwork, relationships and personal responsibilities isn’t always easy. Many students struggle with mental health concerns that make it harder to focus on their studies and enjoy college life. One survey found that 41% of college students experience depression, and 36% experience an anxiety disorder. Regarding lifetime prevalence, 46% have been diagnosed with some kind of mental health disorder.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, know that help is available. With Virtual Services for mental health treatment, you can get support when and where you need it. You can access structured activities like online group therapy at home or on campus. Comprehensive levels of care like Virtual Intensive Outpatient Programs (vIOPs) and Virtual Partial Hospitalization Programs (vPHPs) are designed to meet you where you are on your mental health journey and help you with each step forward.

Key benefits of online group therapy for college students

• Feeling less alone — College can sometimes be isolating. It’s not always easy to make friends, especially when you’re preoccupied with your mental health. As a result, you may feel like you have to face your mental health challenges alone. You may feel that no one understands what you’re going through. It might seem like you’re the only one struggling while everyone else seems to have it all together. The truth is, many students face similar challenges. With virtual treatment, you can connect with peers who understand what you’re going through. In each online group therapy session, you’ll hear from others who have experienced similar emotions, worries and setbacks. This can help you feel validated and supported. It can also help you feel less alone. Managing your mental health in college can be tough, but you don’t have to do it by yourself.
• Learning coping strategies — When life feels overwhelming, it’s important to have tools to help you cope. The best coping strategies will help you manage stress, anxiety and difficult emotions. Virtual group therapy sessions often involve practicing coping strategies. You may practice these strategies along with everyone else, or practice with other people in the group. In addition to strategies provided by therapists, you may also learn coping tips from peers in your group. From healthy communication skills for managing relationships to time management tools for balancing school and self-care, developing new skills and strategies can make a big impact on your day-to-day life.
• Joining sessions from anywhere — College often involves a lot of moving. You’ll likely leave campus over the summer and during holiday breaks. You may move between colleges during your education. You may even spend some time studying abroad. With all of this moving, it may seem impossible to stay with the same mental health treatment provider throughout your time in college. Fortunately, virtual treatment can be accessed from anywhere with an internet connection. Whether you’re attending sessions between classes or while you’re at home over the summer, you can get the ongoing support you need. This can also make it easier to fit treatment into your busy schedule without adding extra stress.

Understanding the levels of care in virtual treatment

If you’re struggling with mental health challenges that affect your daily life, you may need more than just weekly therapy. That’s where a Virtual Intensive Outpatient Program (vIOP) and Virtual Partial Hospitalization Program (vPHP) come in.

• Virtual IOP — A vIOP is a step up from regular outpatient therapy. It provides more intensive treatment while still coming with plenty of flexibility. Virtual IOP can be a great option if you need more support than weekly counseling but don’t require full-time treatment. In virtual IOP, you can expect around three hours of group therapy each day, along with regular one-on-one and family therapy sessions. Virtual IOP may be right for you if you’re struggling with mental health challenges but can still attend classes and maintain daily responsibilities.
• Virtual PHP — A vPHP is a higher level of care that provides more intensive support. It’s typically best for students who need daily therapy and structured treatment. Virtual PHP involves at least 20 hours a week of clinical services by licensed or associate licensed providers. These services include psychiatry sessions, medication management and several hours of group therapy sessions each day. Virtual PHP may be right for you if your mental health is severely impacting your ability to function, and you need a highly structured program to stabilize and improve.

Experience the benefits of virtual group therapy and other treatments at Lightfully

If college feels overwhelming and you’re struggling to manage your mental health, getting help can be vital. Lightfully’s Virtual Services (vPHP/vIOP) can provide the structured support you need to feel better and succeed in school. Our Precision Care Model (PCM), which forms the framework of everything we do, consists of evidence-based, clearly defined, compassionate and whole-person-centered care. In addition to comprehensive treatment programs, we also offer a free online mental health support group that meets weekly. By connecting with us, you can experience the benefits of group support in a pro-recovery online community.

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