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Mental Health Services for College Students in NC and VA
College Mental Health
The transition to adulthood is a journey of discovery that is often filled with challenges. This is a unique time where you are simultaneously asked to make important life decisions, build lifelong relationships, achieve developmental milestones, and invest heavily (in both finances and time), all while being moved away from many of the relational, emotional, and logistical supports, structure, and systems that you have used previously. In a lot of ways, this can feel like having the rug pulled out from under you! Added to this, the early adult period is a time when many people experience their first episode of mood or anxiety symptoms, their first intimate relationships (and breakups), their first time away from home, their first failures, their first independence…and their first chance to get mental health support.
The reality is...
The expectation of college and independence often look very different than reality.
Most of us are never taught how to take care of our mental health. Even with the best preparation, periods of transition can be stressful and require additional support.
Most of us are never taught how to set boundaries, how to communicate assertively, how and when to say “yes” and “no,” how our brains and body are interconnected, signs of mental distress, how to access healthcare, when to consider medication, how to communicate with healthcare providers, how to utilize pharmacy services, the benefits of therapy, and so much more!
Many families do not discuss mental health (or illness).
Many young adults have had symptoms for years but do not have the support or option to access mental health services until they are independent.
Many young adults find that the traumas of their childhood follow them to adulthood. Unfortunately, many young adults experience trauma for the first time during this period.
The people who have supported you in the past may not be available or able to serve your needs during this time.
The reality can be...
The young adult period can be safe, fun, productive, and full of healthy experimentation, learning, and adventure. You do not have to learn everything the hard way. Yes, you have time for this.
The earlier you develop the skills you need to take care of your mental health, advocate for yourself, and establish the values that can guide your decisions, the more successful you will be in your career, relationships, and resiliency.
You do not have to develop these skills on your own. It is possible to work with a provider who can help you navigate your changing environment and roles.
When medication is needed, it is possible to find a plan that is safe, effective, and tolerable.
Telehealth makes it possible to receive care when transportation is limited.
Brief (25 minute) therapy appointments make scheduling more convenient and flexible.
Is the thought of seeing a mental health specialist feeling overwhelming?
I get it. When people realize they are struggling, they often first respond by denying, avoiding, or masking their feelings. This is because our brains are great at sending us a lot of “what if” and worse-case-scenario thoughts.
Common Reasons Clients Seek My Services
Social anxiety and anxiety in general
Academic struggles
Difficulty with focus and organization
Relationships challenges
Breakups
Career planning
Low mood and low energy
Mood swings
Obsessive-compulsive symptoms
Depression
Trauma
What it's like to work with me.
Clients who enjoy working with me are excited to learn about their mind and body and are ready to work on making progress toward creating and achieving their goals and want to work with someone who will genuinely take an interest and care about them and their success. I am very passionate about being approachable, meeting people where they are, and working hard. By the end of your first session, you will likely think, “that wasn’t as hard as I thought it would be and I am hopeful about this plan.”
Check out my working with me page to learn more.
Common Fears about Mental Healthcare
Will my school or parents know I am getting care?
Your information is confidential. If you are on your parent’s insurance, they will know if you choose to use your insurance that you have had an appointment but not the details of the appointment unless you choose to share that information with them.
What if I don’t know what to say?
You don’t have to know anything. We will work together to discover your needs. You will find that I am very good at helping clients communicate.
Check out my working with me page to learn more.
