College is a significant life transition, marked by new levels of independence and responsibility. While it is a time for growth and excitement, it can also be a period of significant stress, anxiety, and adjustment.

A national study from The Steve Fund, Mental Health on Campus in collaboration with the Harris Poll, reveals that over half of college students rate their mental health as fair, poor, or terrible, underscoring a looming mental health crisis on U.S. campuses. The crisis is more acute among students from historically disadvantaged communities, who face mounting academic, emotional, and social pressures. 

A variety of offices aimed at student support and mental health services on campus play a vital role in helping students manage these challenges. It’s crucial for parents and families to understand the support systems available on campus and how they can help their students navigate these resources effectively.

Identifying Available Resources

Most colleges offer a range of support services dedicated to helping students cope with academic and personal pressures. The majority of these services do not require additional cost to the student and they can use them throughout their college experience. These typically include:

  1. Counseling and Psychological Services: These centers provide mental health counseling, group counseling, mental health workshops and sometimes psychiatric services. Psychiatric services can include prescribing medications for depression and anxiety, and several other mental health conditions, as well as comprehensive treatment plans tailored to individual needs. All of these services are staffed with professionals trained to deal with a wide range of mental health issues common among college students, such as anxiety, depression, and stress management. These services are offered at a reduced cost and are often free for students.
  2. Academic Support and Advising: Academic advisors can help students manage their course loads, plan their academic careers, and address any academic-related challenges. Tutoring and writing centers are also available to assist students in establishing and improving their study and writing skills.
  3. Disability Support Services: For students with documented disabilities such as ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder), dyslexia, or physical disabilities, these offices provide necessary accommodations, support, and advocacy, ensuring equal access to educational opportunities. They work closely with students to customize accommodations that meet their specific needs, whether they require helpful technology, note-taking services, or extended time for exams. Students should work with this office as soon as possible to get accommodations established early.
  4. Career Centers: These centers provide guidance on career choices, internships, resume building, and job opportunities, helping to prepare students and alleviate stress about future plans. Career centers often organize workshops and networking events that can connect students with industry professionals and alumni, which can help with building relationships and gaining insights into potential career paths. Additionally, these centers frequently offer mock interviews and career counseling that can help students feel more confident as they step into the job market.
  5. Student Health Services: On-campus clinics offer physical health care, which is directly linked to mental well-being. Some also offer mental health services. They often provide basic health care, preventive services, and referrals to outside specialists. Additionally, many health centers on college campuses are equipped to manage minor emergencies, offering peace of mind to both students and parents knowing that medical help is readily available.
  6. Cultural and Resource Centers: Some campuses may also have centers such as a Women’s Resource Center, LGBTQ Resource Center, International Student Center, or Multicultural Center. These centers and offices are named differently at each campus and may provide culturally responsive events, workshops, retreats, and resources. They often provide mentorship opportunities, access to alumni, a space to build community with peers from diverse backgrounds, and a sense of inclusion and belonging. Some centers also offer financial resources and internships. These centers can be great spaces to get connected to a variety of support services on campus.

Staying Informed

As a parent, staying informed about the resources available on your child’s campus is important. Visit the campus website or contact administrative offices to gather information about the support services offered. Understanding these resources will allow you to guide and support your student more effectively.

Communicating with Your Student

Open communication is essential. Encourage your student to share their feelings about college life, including any stress or challenges they are facing. Listen actively and without judgment, providing a safe space for them to express themselves. This openness will make it easier for them to come to you if they need help accessing campus resources and you can empower them to engage with campus resources for help.

Empowering Your Student

While it’s natural to want to step in and manage problems for your college student, it’s crucial for their development that they learn to handle challenges independently. Teach them how to seek out and utilize campus resources. Discuss scenarios they might face and how they might handle them, including who to talk to and where to go for help. Encourage them to be proactive about their mental health by using services at the campus counseling center or joining support groups as needed. This initiative helps to build resilience and instills a sense of responsibility in managing their own well-being.

The Takeaway

Transitioning to college can be a challenging period for both students and their families. As research demonstrates, students often turn to parents and family members for support when they are experiencing a mental health challenge. As parents and caregivers it is essential to be equipped with information about the campus supports that are available to help your student if they are in need. By empowering your student with the knowledge and skills to use these resources, you help set them up for success both academically and personally. 

As your student steps into this new chapter of their life, remember that while it is essential to be supportive, it is equally important to encourage their independence. It is also essential that both you and your student recognize that connecting with campus resources must be initiated by your student — you cannot make the connection for them. Federal student privacy and health information laws prevent colleges and universities from sharing protected information with anyone without written permission from the student — including parents and caregivers (and yes, this applies even if you are the one paying the tuition). It is critical to have proactive conversations with your student ahead of time about your level of access to their information and how you can be the best support possible for them. With the right tools and knowledge, your student can navigate college life successfully.

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