Did you know that 1 in 5 adults in the United States lives with a mental health disorder? Yet less than half of those people receive mental health treatment. And the numbers are even higher for college students struggling with their mental health. If you have a mental health disorder, it’s nothing to be ashamed of, and you don’t have to go through it alone. 

Therapy can be very beneficial for college students struggling with mental health disorders. This is especially true for students who are in a new environment without the support of family or familiar friends nearby.

Common mental health disorders in college students

College students can experience the same mental health challenges faced by adults of all ages, but are uniquely vulnerable to some disorders in particular. Here’s a list of some common disorders college students face:

• Anxiety disorders — Anxiety is a normal reaction to stress, but disproportionate anxiety is not. If you’re dealing with anxiety in situations that shouldn’t feel stressful, you may have an anxiety disorder. 
• Depression — Tiredness, poor concentration, and persistent sadness or lack of interest in enjoyable activities are all signs you may be dealing with depression. If you are experiencing severe depression or have thoughts of harming yourself, call or text 988, the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, for immediate support.
• Substance use disorders — College students often use drugs or alcohol to deal with stressful situations. This can quickly develop into a substance use disorder.
• Eating disorders — Between 4% and 17% of college students may have an eating disorder. Symptoms of an eating disorder include food restriction, bingeing and purging, preoccupation with how your body looks, and excessive exercise.

How therapy can help college students

Is college stress so normalized that you feel like you “should” handle it on your own? Going it alone might seem easier than seeking out help. But at Lightfully U, our licensed clinical therapists can help you deal with your mental health disorder in a positive and beneficial way. Psychotherapy is an effective intervention for many people. Therapy for college students is no exception. Here are a few of the components in our Virtual Intensive Outpatient Program (vIOP):

• Virtual treatment — At Lightfully U, we treat a number of mental health disorders including depression and mood disorders, anxiety disorders, personality disorders, and trauma-related disorders, all from the comfort of your home or dorm room.
• Specialized programming — Our vIOP includes weekly one-on-one sessions with a therapist, multiple group sessions under the guidance of a licensed provider and medication support. 
• Process-based therapy — Lightfully has pioneered the use of process-based therapy (PBT), a unique, holistic approach to mental health. Using a variety of interventions, your licensed clinical therapist will design a treatment plan specifically suited to your needs.

Therapy is a great resource for college students, and Lightfully U is here to help you on your journey. The framework of our clinic consists of evidence-based, clearly defined, data-driven and whole-person-centered care. Our goal is to treat you as an individual, not just a diagnosis. 

No matter what mental health challenges you may be dealing with, change is possible. Contact us to learn more about Lightfully U. We’ll take the next steps together, toward the fullest, brightest version of you.