TL;DR: College is a major transition, and it’s common for students to struggle with anxiety, depression, or loneliness along the way. Telepsychiatry lets students continue mental health care remotely, including staying with a therapist they already trust back home, making support more accessible no matter where school takes them.
A new semester is about to get underway on college campuses across the country. Dorm rooms will soon be filling up with eager students ready to set off on their own. While it may be an exciting time for many, this transition away from the comforts of home and friends, into something new, can be very stressful.
For students who already see a therapist before starting school, telepsychiatry can allow them to keep that relationship instead of starting over. For those seeking help while taking classes, this type of therapy can help maintain care seamlessly while traveling back and forth during school breaks.
How Common Are Mental Health Struggles in College?
Mental health challenges are very common during college, with 37% of students experiencing depression and 32% reporting anxiety.
Common challenges include:
- Anxiety and stress over grades and future jobs
- Missing old friends and struggling to make new ones
- Feeling homesick and lacking a stable support system in close proximity
- Feeling burnt out, too tired to care about coursework
When students need help:
- Missing classes or falling behind on assignments
- Poor eating habits or trouble sleeping
- Avoiding friends and other activities
- Feeling overwhelmed or hopeless
Is Telepsychiatry a Good Option for College Students?
Students living away from home are excellent candidates for telepsychiatry. The technology allows patients a chance to talk with a therapist no matter where they are through a smart device and internet connectivity. This is especially helpful for those who already have a therapist.
Telepsychiatry allows students to continue services with their provider, even if college has taken them hundreds of miles away. Just need to double check that the existing therapist is licensed in the state where the student is attending college. If not, the therapist will be able to recommend someone who is able to practice in their new state.
In a nutshell, the benefits of using telepsychiatry are:
- Continuity of care
- No campus/run-into-someone-you-know stigma
- Easily schedule appointments around classes
- Hold sessions in a quiet space where you feel comfortable
- Talk with a mental health professional within days vs waiting weeks or months for an in-person appointment.
Where Else Can Students Find Help?
Many college campuses also offer a variety of services to students while they’re on campus.
School Resource Options
- Counseling Services: Mental health support from professional providers
- Dean of Students: Crisis support, advocacy, information on peer support groups
- Career Development: Offers guidance on resume building, job searches, interview prep
- Tutoring and Study Help: Free peer tutoring and supplemental instruction
Students don’t need to struggle alone. Whether they find help on campus or through telepsychiatry, there are professionals available who are able to assist.
If you or someone you know needs urgent support, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
Rural Psychiatry Associates provides telepsychiatric care for our patients in North Dakota, Minnesota, South Dakota, Montana, Utah, and Alaska. We have a deep bench of mental health providers who are able to see patients in a matter of days, not weeks. Click here to schedule an appointment.