Introduction: Why Mental Health Matters for Online College Students
People assume online students have it easy because they don’t need to commute daily, uproot their lives, or deal with structured classes. However, online learning is not as easy as it seems. Sure, there are benefits like flexibility, accessibility, and cost savings, but online learning also has its own set of challenges.
As an online student, you need to manage your time effectively to avoid stress and poor sleeping patterns. With asynchronous formats and often lax deadlines, you need to be highly self-disciplined. Without anyone to talk to, this can be challenging.
Another problem is that you may need to wait hours or days for replies to your questions and inquiries. This delayed response may make knowing how you’re doing in class hard. It can often give you anxiety as you worry about whether you’re on track or falling behind.
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Dealing with problems on your own can lead to feelings of isolation, which 73% of college students today feel. Did you know that one of the leading causes of mental health issues starts with a sense of isolation?
As an online student, you’ll probably need more support in your studies. Beyond career services, you should also look for colleges with discounted counseling for online students. You need to take care of your mental health; otherwise, you won’t be able to focus on your studies.
Counseling services will help you cope with social anxiety, stress, and mental health issues. These services can be expensive outside of the school. So, to avoid high costs, enroll in programs that offer discounted or even free counseling services for college students.
Prioritizing your mental health is crucial. It will help you perform better in your coursework. Let’s explore the top schools with free and discounted counseling for online students.
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- FAFSA and Financial Aid for Online College
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- Online Colleges with Free or Discounted Tutoring Services: Boost Your Success for Less
What Are Free and Discounted Counseling Services?
A common question is whether discounted or free counseling services for college students exist. The answer is yes! Many colleges are strengthening their mental health services.
Free and discounted counseling for online students offers two main benefits.
- It allows students to cope with mental health challenges without paying high fees for private therapists.
- It will enable colleges and universities to increase student satisfaction and retention rates.
There’s a misconception that students must be in an extreme mental crisis to use a college’s counseling service. Mental health support for online college students can support you with a range of issues, including:
- homesickness
- career uncertainty
- depression
- substance misuse
- social anxiety
- eating disorders
Counselors tend to be more available at the start of the semester, but appointment wait times vary based on the type of care you need. You can usually schedule your first counseling appointment by phone, online, or through your student portal. Many counseling centers also offer quick drop-in consultations or workshops.
Benefits of Counseling for Online Students
College requires you to deal with multiple coursework at a time. Many online students also have to deal with work problems. These obligations can often lead to mental exhaustion and burnout, leading to student dropout.
Online college counseling services have five main benefits:
- It enables students to freely express their thoughts and hardships without the fear of judgment, which can be a huge relief if they’re struggling to keep emotions bottled up.
- Therapy helps students develop personalized strategies to handle issues like anxiety or depression. These sessions help students learn techniques like mindfulness and cognitive-behavioral therapy.
- With therapy, students who feel lonely or struggle to make friends can find a supportive ear, learn ways to connect with others, and build self-esteem.
Ultimately, colleges with free mental health services aim to:
- Address students’ mental health issues to improve focus and concentration.
- Boost student performance.
- Help them manage their time effectively.
Top Online Colleges Offering Free or Discounted Counseling Services
Therapy can be very expensive. This is especially true if you seek it from private therapists, which typically cost between $65 and $250 per hour, with most sessions averaging $100 to $200. To avoid paying for costly therapy sessions, here are the top five online schools with affordable counseling for students.
The University of Oklahoma
The University of Oklahoma offers among the best emotional support for distance learners through TELUS Health. This program is free and easy to use.
All you need to do is download the TELUS Health Student Support app for 24/7 access to on-demand counseling. Whether you prefer to call, chat, or video call, you can connect with a licensed therapist anytime, anywhere.
The app offers free, confidential support in multiple languages. You can also expect resources like videos and articles on mental health. Session length and number are not limited, so you can get the help you need whenever you need it.
Indiana University
Next on the list is Indiana University’s 24/7 virtual mental health care services, an initiative supported by TimelyMD to better meet students’ needs. This service offers on-demand counseling, health coaching, and peer support via phone or video, with quick provider connections.
TimelyCare features diverse licensed professionals, ensuring students can find support that fits their needs. IU’s chief health officer, Aaron Carroll, notes that this service was designed based on student feedback to be flexible and accessible.
Faculty and staff can also use TimelyCare to support students in distress. Additionally, IU is expanding mental health resources and reducing stigma with new initiatives and student groups.
Drexel University
The Drexel University Counseling Center offers free, confidential counseling for undergrad and grad students. They provide flexible, culturally sensitive services, including crisis care and outreach programs.
The counseling center offers services like same-day appointments, crisis support, unlimited group therapy, wellness workshops, and individual therapy. The services are flexible and customizable to student’s needs.
The Center focuses on goal-oriented, brief therapy, meaning there’s no strict limit on individual sessions. Therapists work with students to address their immediate concerns, and the number of sessions depends on what each student needs.
Florida State University
Florida State University’s Counseling & Psychological Services is dedicated to student wellness. They offer virtual counseling for college students via Zoom, in-person counseling, and phone support for crises.
The Center is a supportive and confidential space for all mental health needs. It provides various services, including individual, couples, and group counseling and 24/7 crisis intervention, all at no extra cost to students because student fees cover it.
University of Sioux Falls
Text4Hope is a new, anonymous mental health resource for online learners. It is available to University of Sioux Falls and Augustana College students. It provides a confidential way for students to get support when stress feels overwhelming.
The service is designed to be less intimidating than face-to-face counseling and is open to all, regardless of their faith or background. It’s part of a broader effort to address rising anxiety and depression among college students and is modeled after a successful program in high schools. The goal is to provide support before stress escalates into a crisis.
How to Access Free or Discounted Counseling at Your Online College
Accessing mental health resources for online learners is not always easy. Like with applying for financial aid, gaining access to online colleges with mental health services usually requires a process.
For some colleges, it can be as easy as sending an email or text. However, for others, it may involve filling out forms or scheduling an appointment through a student portal.
Some schools might require a brief consultation to assess your needs before you can start regular counseling sessions. Here are general steps on how to access free counseling in college:
Step 1: Ensure that your college offers counseling services.
Start by checking your college’s website or contacting the student affairs or health services department. You can find a contact number or email address on the school’s web page. This step will help you find out what counseling services are available, where they are located, and how to make an appointment.
Step 2: Check eligibility.
Find out if counseling services are available to all students or if there are specific requirements. Some colleges may limit the number of sessions or offer long-term referrals. If you need ongoing support, ask about external referrals and check with your insurance company for coverage details.
Step 3: Schedule an appointment and complete forms.
Once you know what’s available, schedule your appointment through phone, email, or an online form. Some colleges offer walk-in hours for urgent needs. You’ll likely need to fill out intake forms with information about your background and what you want from counseling.
When attending counseling sessions, you need to tell the counselor or the therapist everything you’re feeling. What you discuss with your counselor is confidential, but if there’s a risk to your safety or others, they may need to break that confidentiality.
Additional Mental Health Resources for Online Students
Did you know that you also have other options? There are several free or low-cost mental health resources for you.
Tip #1: Find a therapist.
Start by checking your college’s website or contacting student health services to learn about available therapists. Use tools like the Psychology Today therapist finder to locate providers. You may schedule a consultation through phone, email, or their online profiles.
Tip #2: Join online peer support groups.
Online support groups typically discuss various issues. These communities offer support and connection but aren’t a substitute for professional therapy. Some examples include:
- For Depression: 7 Cups, ADAA, Depression, and Bipolar Support Alliance
- For Grief: Grieving.com, Cancer Care, MISS Foundation
- For ADHD: ADDA, CHADD
- For Eating Disorders: NEDA, ANAD
Tip #3: Contact crisis hotlines.
If you need immediate help, there are several free and confidential resources available:
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988.
- Crisis Text Line: Text SIGNS to 741741 for 24/7 support.
- Disaster Distress Helpline: Call or text 1-800-985-5990.
Conclusion: Prioritizing Your Mental Health While Studying Online
The mental health benefits of online colleges are numerous, from giving you control over your schedule to reducing the stress of commuting and navigating campus life. However, that doesn’t mean it’s problem-free. In fact, you may often face more problems as you’ll have limited interactions with peers and advisors.
The feeling of isolation is very common in online learning formats. It’s a scary feeling as it can lead to anxiety and depression, two major contributors to why many students do not graduate.
Mental health is very important. It helps you stay focused on your studies and go. If you feel isolated or stressed, contact a professional immediately to prevent things from worsening. Make sure that the online college you’re eyeing offers free or low-cost counseling services.