College Mental Health 101: A Guide for Students, Parents, and Professionals

College is a time when students may not have much adult contact, so professors are often the frontline advocates for young people. Reports indicate that 60% of college students have a significant mental health issue, and while today’s destigmatization of the topic leads to more data, it also tends to create more misinformation that young adults must navigate. When he was in college, severe panic attacks exacerbated by substance usage and lack of sleep pushed Willard toward an interest in mental health; he is now a clinical psychologist working with students and universities and the author of How We Grow Through What We Go Through. Coauthors Blase Aguirre and Chelsie Green are, respectively, a child and adolescent psychiatrist and a psychotherapist and holistic wellness practitioner who have cumulatively worked with thousands of families. Starting with applying and transitioning to college, this volume presents factors to consider when picking a university, including size, location, housing choices, and whether to attend part-time or full-time. The book’s advice is wide-ranging in scope, including guidance on using insurance, finding a culturally competent therapist, and returning to school after going on leave.