Students in Teletherapy: The Trend on College Campuses

More than 60% of college students report experiencing at least one mental health issue during the academic year, citing reasons such as academic pressure, depression, anxiety and financial difficulties as some of the top problems. As the mental health crisis on college campuses continues to rise, on-site health clinics and faculty are overwhelmed trying to keep up, which has contributed to an increase of students in teletherapy.

Teletherapy provides numerous benefits for colleges, including the ability to reach more students without the limitation of space or on-site trained staff. As more colleges contract with third-party teletherapy providers, students find they have a convenient way to address their mental health. Continue reading to learn more about the mental health trends on campuses and how teletherapy helps.

Understanding the Mental Health Needs of College Students

Entering college is a fun and exciting time for most students graduating from high school, moving away from family and experiencing life on their own. However, it can also be stressful as some try to balance work, social life and grades. Unrealistic expectations can lead to the current mental health trends on college campuses, which include anxiety disorders, stress, depression, substance abuse and even suicidal tendencies.

To understand the mental health needs of college students, it’s important to recognize the stressors that affect their well-being.

• Academic pressure. College coursework is demanding. From keeping up with daily assignments and studying for tests to the pressure to earn good grades, students may feel overwhelmed, leading to anxiety, stress and burnout.
• Transitioning to adulthood. Moving into a dorm or apartment for the first time, adjusting to a new environment and having increased independence involve adjustments. These major life changes can result in feelings of isolation and homesickness.
• Money problems. Approximately 40% of all college students have a job to help support themselves in school. From tuition costs and student loans to living expenses, the stress of finances can make mental health issues worse.
• Friendships. Approximately 60% of college-aged students admit to giving in to peer pressure. Making new friends, dealing with new romantic partners and experiencing peer pressure can all be sources of stress.
• Substance abuse. Approximately 4 out of every 5 college students consume alcohol to some degree. Substance abuse can contribute to or have an impact on mental health.
• Sleep and physical health. Getting enough sleep, adequate nutrition and sufficient physical activity plays a huge role in mental health. College students tend to neglect at least one, if not all, of those important factors.
• Career worries. College students feel pressure to choose the right job path. Career uncertainty can lead to feelings of anxiety and have a direct impact on mental health.

The Rise of Teletherapy on College Campuses

With a growing need for mental health services, colleges have partnered with virtual teletherapy vendors, such as BetterMynd, MantraHealth and TimelyCare. These companies provide convenient access to students struggling with mental health issues. College clinics are often understaffed to handle the number of students needing therapy, forcing them to create waiting lists, while others have to turn students away when counseling isn’t available.

As the stigma regarding mental health care has improved, more people reach out for help and are more likely to take advantage of mental health services, including teletherapy for college students.

Benefits for Students in Teletherapy

Like traditional face-to-face therapy, teletherapy teaches students coping skills and how to gain a better sense of self, but what each gains from the sessions depends on what they want to work on. Some key benefits of teletherapy for college students include:

• Judgment-free space. Therapy provides a judgment-free place to talk about emotions, thoughts and feelings.
• Coping strategies and tools. Therapy teaches students how to manage stress and change negative thought patterns and behaviors through cognitive behavioral therapy, relaxation techniques and problem-solving. By identifying triggers and emotional reactions to stress, students learn to use coping mechanisms to handle their feelings.
• Mental support. Living away from home for the first time can be stressful. Students in teletherapy receive the support they need to handle even the most difficult challenges associated with living alone.
• Reduced feelings of loneliness. Moving away from family, friends and loved ones for the first time often leads to feelings of loneliness and isolation. Having a reliable person to talk to can help alleviate some of these thoughts. Therapy also helps individuals develop strategies to make new friends and excel in social situations.
• Increased focus. Mental health issues often cause brain fog, which makes it difficult to focus and participate in class. By addressing these issues, students learn to better manage time, which can have a positive effect on their overall college experience.

Overcoming Barriers to Teletherapy

Even with easier access to therapy, some college students may struggle to reach out for mental health treatments. It can take time to develop a good relationship with an online therapist. When this happens, it’s important to understand the benefits of teletherapy, including how it’s used and how well it simplifies care.