Many college students wrestle with mental health issues like depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder. According to research from Boston University, reported levels of depression (135%) and anxiety (110%) among college students have increased significantly over the past few years.
While the number of students experiencing mental health concerns is increasing, there are many who find it difficult to seek out therapy to help with these issues.
For college students, navigating the logistics of therapy on top of classes, homework, work, relationships, and the other situations they are facing in their lives can be daunting.
If you find yourself in this boat, and you are wondering how to find therapy to address your mental health concerns, you are not alone.
When you search online for therapists or use tools like Psychology Today, you will have to search through dozens or even hundreds of results.
Although this might seem overwhelming, you can find a therapist that is the right fit for you if you ask the right questions.
Here are a few questions you should consider when finding a therapist that will help you find one that works for you:
Does the therapist take my insurance?
One of the first questions you need to ask before trying to schedule an appointment with a new therapist is whether or not they take your insurance.
If a therapist is out-of-network, you could end up paying thousands of dollars for sessions that aren’t covered by your health insurance.
Most therapists list the types of insurance they accept on their websites or offer free consultations where you can ask them about insurance and your estimated session cost.
Will the therapist work around a college student’s schedule?
While seeking mental health treatment is important, you do not want to build a relationship with a therapist only to have to find someone new because of your class or work schedule.
An ideal therapist is one who has flexibility to work around your schedule so that you can schedule sessions during times that won’t interfere with your classes, labs, or shifts at work.
Where is their office located?
If you live on campus and don’t have a car, you aren’t going to want to work with a therapist whose office is across town.
When you are looking for a therapist, pay attention to their office location. If it’s not within walking distance or close to a bus route, you will have a hard time making it to your appointments.
Find a therapist whose office is close to your dorm or apartment.
If there aren’t any in your area, consider working with a therapist who offers online appointments. There are studies that show that online therapy is just as effective as in-person therapy. Don’t be afraid to schedule online sessions with a therapist if there aren’t any therapists with offices in your area.
What type of therapy do they offer?
Different therapists specialize in different types of therapy. Here are some of the main types of therapy that therapists provide:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR)
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
- Prolonged Exposure Therapy (PE)
- Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy (AEDP)
- Client-Centered Therapy (CCT)
- Exposure and response therapy (ERP)
- Psychoanalytic or Psychodynamic Therapy
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Look for a therapist who will be able to provide the type of therapy that will be best for your specific needs. If you can’t find this information on their website, schedule a call and ask them to describe their therapeutic approach.
You should also make sure that the therapists you are considering have experience with the specific condition or mental health concern that you are experiencing. For example, if you feel like you may be depressed, you should look for a therapist that specializes in helping those with depression.
Do they understand the struggles college students face today?
As a college student, you face challenges that older and younger individuals may not experience. You want a therapist who is going to understand you and give you unconditional positive regard when you share your feelings and struggles.
It’s important to find a therapist that works with college students regularly so that you know they have experience helping people your age and training to help them provide relevant guidance, support, and coping skills for college students.
Starting your journey toward improved mental health does not have to be overwhelming. If you narrow down your options using the questions above, you will be well on your way toward finding a therapist that can help you achieve mental wellness.
