5 Things Every College Student Should Know About Starting Therapy
College life encompasses new experiences, such as living independently for the first time, meeting people from different backgrounds, the pressure to perform with little or no sleep. Whether you’re a student at UCSB or SBCC, all of these changes and responsibilities can have a significant impact on a student's mental health and well-being.
According to the National College Health Assessment Spring 2022 Survey, a significant proportion of college students experienced negative impacts on their academic performance due to mental health issues.
37.3% reported that anxiety had negative impact
27.5% reported that depression had a negative impact
Image source: brookhavencourier.com
If you're a student struggling, it's essential to know that you're not alone, and that there are resources available to help you manage your mental health. Therapy can be a valuable tool in navigating the challenges of college life, however starting therapy can feel daunting. In this post we'll provide five essential things that every college student should know before starting therapy.
You don't have to be in crisis or have a "serious" problem to see a therapist
There's a common misconception that therapy is only for people with serious mental health issues. However, therapy can be beneficial for anyone who wants to improve their overall well-being. You don't need to have a specific diagnosis to seek out therapy. It's okay to go just to talk through your concerns, difficult feelings, learn coping skills, or get support during a tough time.
You can choose the type of therapy that works best for you
There are many different types of therapy, and what works for one person may not work for another. Some common types of therapy include cognitive-behavioral therapy, talk therapy, and group therapy. You can work with a therapist to figure out what type of therapy would be best for you and your needs. It's important to remember that therapy is a collaborative process, and you should feel comfortable discussing your preferences and goals with your therapist.
Therapy is a safe and confidential space
It's natural to be concerned about privacy when it comes to therapy. However, it's important to remember that therapy is confidential. Your therapist is bound by ethical and legal standards to protect your privacy. Anything you discuss in therapy is kept confidential, unless there is a risk of harm to yourself or others. You can feel safe and secure knowing that what you discuss in therapy won't be shared with anyone else.
Therapy can be affordable
Navigating the cost of therapy as a college student can be overwhelming, but there are options available to make it more affordable. Start by checking with your school's counseling services to see if they offer free or reduced-cost therapy services. Additionally, many therapists in Santa Barbara offer sliding scale fees based on income, so don't be afraid to inquire. At Botaitis Therapy Group, many of our associates specialize in helping college students and offer sliding scale fees to make therapy services accessible to everyone.
It's okay to seek help
Many college students feel like they should be able to handle everything on their own. However, seeking help when you're struggling is a sign of strength, not weakness. It's important to remember that everyone needs support from time to time, and there's no shame in reaching out for help.
