Navigating the ups and downs of student life can be tough—between managing schoolwork, balancing a social life, and perhaps even working a part-time job, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. If you’ve been feeling stressed, anxious, or just not yourself, finding mental health support can make a world of difference.
But where do you start when you’re not sure where to turn? Whether it’s your first time seeking help or you’re just looking for new resources, here are a few steps to help you find the mental health support you need as a student.
1. Start with Your Campus Counseling Center
One of the easiest and most accessible ways to get mental health support as a student is through your school’s campus counseling center. Almost every college or university has one, and it’s designed specifically to support students through challenges like stress, anxiety, depression, or any other mental health concern.
The great thing about campus counseling centers is that they typically offer a certain number of free sessions to students. These sessions can help you work through any immediate concerns, and if longer-term support is needed, counselors can often refer you to a trusted provider off-campus.
What to Expect:
You’ll likely start with an intake session, where you’ll talk about what’s going on and what kind of support you’re looking for.
If your school offers free short-term counseling (which many do), you’ll have a set number of sessions—usually between 3-10.
The counseling center can also help you get connected with resources like workshops, support groups, or therapy referrals if you need ongoing care.
Pro tip: Don’t wait until things get overwhelming—many students don’t realize the benefits of early intervention. Even if you're just starting to feel stressed or anxious, reaching out sooner rather than later can help prevent things from getting worse.
2. Use Online Resources like Psychology Today and Zocdoc
If your campus counseling center isn’t the right fit or if you want to explore options beyond what they offer, websites like Psychology Today and Zocdoc make it easy to find therapists in your area. These platforms are designed to help you filter through providers based on your specific needs, which can be super helpful when you don’t know where to start.
How to Use Them:
Psychology Today: Go to the Therapist Finder section. You can filter by location, insurance, issues (e.g., anxiety, depression, trauma), and even specific types of therapy (like cognitive behavioral therapy or art therapy). Each therapist's profile will give you more information about their specialties and their approach.
Zocdoc: If you prefer finding a provider quickly and booking directly online, Zocdoc is another great option. You can filter by location, availability, insurance, and specialties. Plus, it’s a handy tool for finding other healthcare providers, like psychiatrists, if needed.
When using these platforms, take your time to browse through different providers, read reviews, and make sure they offer the kind of support you’re looking for.
3. Consider Other Mental Health Resources
If traditional therapy doesn’t feel like the right fit, or if you’re still weighing your options, there are other ways to get mental health support:
Peer Support Groups: Many campuses offer peer-led support groups that allow you to connect with other students who might be experiencing similar challenges. This can be a great way to share experiences and find community.
Mental Health Hotlines: If you need immediate support, there are several 24/7 hotlines available, like Crisis Text Line (text HOME to 741741) or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (call 1-800-273-8255). These are free, confidential services that can help in times of crisis.
Mental Health Apps: Apps like Calm, Headspace, or BetterHelp can offer both mindfulness practices and access to virtual therapy if you’re looking for something a bit more flexible.
4. Check with Your Insurance Provider
If you’ve already used your campus counseling resources and need more long-term care, checking with your insurance provider is another good step. Most insurance companies have a directory of covered mental health professionals you can search through.
Tip: When using Psychology Today or Zocdoc, you can filter by insurance to make sure the therapists you're looking at are covered by your plan.
Final Thoughts: It’s Okay to Ask for Help
It’s important to remember that reaching out for mental health support doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Whether you start with your campus counseling center, explore online resources, or ask your insurance provider for options, there are many ways to find the help you need.
Taking that first step can feel daunting, but you’re not alone. Mental health is just as important as physical health, and there’s no shame in seeking support. No matter where you are on your journey, remember that help is out there, and it’s okay to take that step.
Attiya Awadallah, LCAT, ATR-BC, is a licensed psychotherapist and creative arts therapist specializing in treating anxiety, depression, and complex trauma, with a particular focus on young adults navigating the challenges of school, career uncertainty, and life transitions. At Lenora: Art Therapy and Counseling, Attiya helps clients embrace their identities, manage stress, and develop resilience through personalized, creative, and evidence-based approaches to therapy.
If you’re interested in learning more about therapy services or booking a session, visit www.lenoratherapy.com or contact Attiya directly at lenoratherapy@gmail.com.
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