College can be a challenging period for your mental health. As a college student, you may experience a range of mental health symptoms. In 2023, surveys showed that college students were experiencing all-time high rates of depression, anxiety and suicidality. In addition to these mental health challenges, college students also have their own unique difficulties. Many college students have a hard time coping with academic stress. Left unaddressed, this stress can lead to worsening anxiety and, eventually, burnout.

When you’re having a hard time with your mental health, seeking help can be an important move. As a college student, you may hesitate to seek treatment due to financial restrictions. You may be surprised to learn that finances are not necessarily an obstacle to receiving high-quality treatment. If you’re enrolled in a university in California, you may be eligible for UC SHIP. UC SHIP is a health insurance plan designed with college students in mind. UC SHIP is a comprehensive health insurance program available to students enrolled at all University of California campuses, including Berkeley, Irvine, Merced, Riverside, Santa Barbara and Santa Cruz. UC SHIP can enable you to get the mental health treatment you need without worrying about costs. By learning about the services covered by your insurance, you can take the next step toward getting effective mental health support.

4 great free mental health services available with Lightfully U through UC SHIP

Lightfully U has partnered with UC SHIP to bring quality virtual mental health treatment to students. Lightfully U is a Virtual Intensive Outpatient Program (vIOP) designed to address college students’ mental health needs. This program has many facets. In addition to frequent therapy sessions, Lightfully U incorporates multiple other services. Our approach is more comprehensive and intensive than traditional online therapy. Key components of vIOP include:

• Individual therapy — One-on-one therapy sessions can offer a space for you to share your thoughts and feelings without judgment. They can also help you process events and come up with solutions alongside your therapist. Individual therapy can be great for getting to the core of your mental health symptoms. Working with your therapist, you can start to identify the core processes behind your symptoms and how they might be addressed. Whether you’re feeling low or your anxiety is through the roof, individual therapy sessions can help you work toward real solutions.
• Family therapy — Family connections can become strained in college. College may involve a move away from your family home, which can limit your connection to your family and sense of familial support. College can also come with a lot of changes. Exploring your personality and sense of self can lead to significant personal growth. While this can be beneficial, it can also lead to tension with family members who might feel like you’ve changed too much. Regardless of the reasons behind family tensions, family therapy may be a helpful way to work through them. Lightfully U incorporates biweekly family sessions into our comprehensive treatment program. During these moderated sessions, you can work through family conflicts in a safe, productive setting.
• Psychiatric assessment — Lightfully U offers an initial psychiatric assessment. If you need to see a psychiatrist as soon as possible, our vIOP is a great option. At Lightfully U, our licensed clinical experts are highly responsive to the needs of our clients. A psychiatric assessment can be key for identifying your condition and prescribing any necessary medications. As you progress in treatment, you may continue to get medication support. We will work with you to encourage adherence, since taking medications as prescribed can be essential to managing your symptoms.
• Group sessions — Working through mental health challenges in college can feel isolating. Group sessions can help. Group therapy sessions are intended to be a source of communal support and productive, healing-oriented discussion. At Lightfully U, we understand the importance of peer support. Clients receiving virtual intensive outpatient treatment can engage in up to 15 group sessions per week. Like other aspects of treatment, these group sessions can be joined from the comfort of your home, dorm or favorite spot on campus. The virtual nature of this program works to provide a high degree of flexibility while still delivering intensive treatment.

Lightfully U is a specialized mental health program for college students brought to you by UC SHIP and Lightfully Behavioral Health. The framework of our vIOP for students consists of evidence-based, clearly defined and whole-person-centered care. Treatment is provided by a team of deeply compassionate experts.

Change is possible. When you’re ready to start exploring mental health treatment options, contact us. We’ll take the next steps together, toward the fullest, brightest version of you.