No matter whether they are just starting their college experience or they are several years into it, most college students go through many types of mental and emotional challenges throughout their college career. And while some of these difficulties can be handled informally by the individual student, others could become obstacles to success if left unaddressed.
If you are a college student, have you considered the value of seeking counseling while in school? If the answer is no, here are a few great reasons that counseling can make a positive difference and fit into your lifestyle.
1. You Face a Lot of Changes
Going off to college leaves many young people out on their own for the first time. This can seem like a great adventure at first, but it also carries some risks. A student might feel socially isolated, leaving their friends and family behind. They may not have anyone to confide in. They may face adult pressures for the first time, and homesickness could even develop into serious depression or anxiety.
In addition, educational pursuits bring their own kind of stress. College can be a very different experience, causing you to class loads, part-time work, internships, exams, and the pressures of educational debt. Are class pressures creating anxiety, causing lack of sleep, or leading to bouts of depression and hopelessness? Then you may need to speak with someone who has experience managing stressors.
2. Mental Health Services Are Covered
With recent changes in insurance regulations, many college students 25 years old and under are covered through their parents' insurance policies — even if away from home. This provides you with an excellent opportunity to seek out counseling or therapy to better your mental health — usually with little or no out-of-pocket costs to you or your parents.
You would want to check with your insurance provider for details, but you will likely find that you don't even need to have a specific diagnosis or to meet a deductible in order to receive covered services. Many policies treat mental health services as the priority healthcare that they are.
3. Counseling Can Be as Needed
Seeking out a counselor to meet a particular concerns doesn't mean that you must commit to a lifetime of weekly appointments. If you feel undue stress when facing upcoming exams, you might be able to talk through ways to manage and conquer that test-related stress. Beyond that, how much you want to talk about other feelings or concerns is entirely up to you and you alone.
If you have an established relationship with a qualified counselor due to overcoming one challenge, though, there is a ready outlet if something else changes in your life and you want to talk again. You have control over your own healthcare and your own timetable.
4. Your Appointments Are Private
Unfortunately, mental health services are often stigmatized both by individuals within their own thoughts and by society at large. Are you embarrassed to seek out professional counseling? Then remember that your attendance and appointments will be kept private and confidential.
Students can often see counselors off campus to ensure their privacy even further. No one on campus needs to know. And if your parents are aware of your visits through insurance paperwork, they will not know what you discuss with your personal counselor.
Do you feel the pressures of being away from home and facing the challenges of college? If so, take a proactive step by making an appointment to talk with a trained, professional counselor. At Associated Psychologists & Counselors LLC, we can help. Call today to learn more about our services and how we can address your individual needs.