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College and Graduate Student Mental Health

Inclusive, Affirming, Culturally-Responsive Teletherapy for Clients in CA, MA, DC, and VA

Are you a motivated, insightful young adult who wants to

better understand how your past has impacted you

so you can best prepare for your future?

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College and graduate students experience a unique set of life transitions that can often be difficult to navigate. On top of that, as a student, you may also be in a time of life which is rich with self-discovery and identity exploration.

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Roommate issues getting you down?

Struggling to find your way around a new campus?

Trying to figure out how to manage all the classes, labs, and extracurriculars, while still having a social life?

Family pressures creating conflict with school and social pressures?

Feeling overwhelmed by the idea of impending graduation?

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If any of this sounds like you, therapy is a great place to unpack some of those experiences, get support, and experiment with new and unfolding aspects of your identity.

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With 13 years of experience in university counseling centers, with a range of college and graduate students of all ages and from highly diverse backgrounds, I can help you to do some of the important work of adjusting to these life transitions, deciding who you want to be, and crafting your best life. 

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I offer individual therapy via a secure online platform and at a variety of times of day to make therapy as convenient as going to class. 

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International Student Mental Health

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When it comes to adjusting to college or graduate programs, international students have an even greater challenge than domestic students. 

 

In addition to getting used to a new campus, schedule, and academic expectations, you may also be:​

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  • Confused by cultural or regional norms and customs

  • Feeling lonely being far from family and loved ones

  • Struggling with the language - even if you speak fluent English, academic language and slang are so different

  • Worried about visa or immigration issues that your colleagues don't have to consider

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All of this is totally normal!

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People who move from a familiar culture to a new one often experience something called "culture shock." Getting to a place of comfort and ease in a new culture typically has 4 phases:

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  1. Honeymoon Phase – excitement and energy about new place

  2. Culture Shock Phase – honeymoon is over and life is hard

  3. Recovery / Negotiation Phase – things begin to get easier

  4. Autonomy / Acceptance Phase – comfort in new life and less distress/conflict around issues of adjustment

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As the coordinator of international student services for 6 years at 2 different universities, I am very familiar with the struggles that face many international students. I have also seen first hand how therapy can help with this process.

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Therapy is a safe, confidential space where you can share your struggles and get the support you need to be successful. Please reach out to schedule a free consultation call today! 

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Support for Parents

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Are you the parent or caregiver of a college student?

Are you wondering how you can help a struggling student?

Or just struggling yourself to let go and allow your student to move into this scary new phase of their life?

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You are not alone!

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It is totally normal for parents of college students to find this transition challenging and even overwhelming. In most cases, you have raised this person for almost two decades, and now you have to trust that they will grow into the adult you hope they will be. 

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It can be tempting, especially in this age of constant communication, to try to hold on tightly, but students entering young adulthood need the freedom to explore and to make their own mistakes. 

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If you are concerned about a specific issue and believe your student would benefit from therapy, keep these tips in mind:

  • Be direct - don't beat around the bush or hope they will get the message

  • Be specific - talk about the behaviors you have seen or the particular things that have caused you concern

  • Be clear - let them know that you see the decision to seek therapy as a mature, brave choice, not as a sign of weakness

  • Be willing to let it go - unless you are worried about their immediate safety, the decision to seek therapy is up to them; therapy is a lot less effective when folks feel coerced into going

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Remember that this is a difficult transition for you both, and that you also deserve a safe, confidential, and supportive space!  If I can help, please reach out today to schedule a free consultation call.

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