Top 60 Mental Health Resources for College Students

Across the nation, college students are returning to campuses, embarking on new academic journeys. In the Spring of 2023, 16.9 million students were enrolled in degree-granting programs at U.S. universities and colleges. While college can be an exhilarating experience filled with new opportunities, it can also bring challenges such as anxiety, depression, and feelings of isolation. Recognizing the importance of mental health, this article outlines vital resources available for students both on and off campus.

Mental Health Hotlines and Crisis Lines

According to a survey conducted by TimelyMD, 71% of college students reported facing mental health issues, including stress, anxiety, and depression. The need for immediate support is crucial, as declining mental health can lead to severe outcomes. Here are some key hotlines to contact:

NAMI HelpLine
A free, confidential helpline for those affected by mental illness. Reach them at 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) or text “HelpLine” to 62640.
SAMHSA’s National Helpline
For substance abuse and mental health support, call 1-800-662-HELP (4357) or text your ZIP Code to 435748.
Disaster Distress Helpline
For crises related to disasters, call or text 1-800-985-5990.
ULifeline
Find specific mental health resources for your college by searching your university on their website.
Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
For 24/7 crisis support, dial 988 or call 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
Crisis Text Line
Text “HOME” to 741-741 for free, 24/7 crisis support via text.
Trans Lifeline
A peer support service for trans individuals. Call 1-877-565-8860.
The Trevor Project
Offers support for LGBTQ youth. Call 1-866-488-7386 or text 678-678.
Veteran’s Crisis Line
For veterans in need, call 988 and press 1.
National Sexual Assault Hotline
Call 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) for support.
National Domestic Violence Hotline
Call 1-800-799-7233 or text “START” to 88788.
National Teen Dating Abuse Helpline
Call 1-866-331-9474 or text “LOVEIS” to 22522.
THRIVE Lifeline
Text “THRIVE” to 1-313-662-8209 for support for underrepresented individuals.
2-1-1
A resource referral line for basic needs and mental health support.
Warm Lines
Peer support hotlines for non-crisis situations; check local listings.

Specific Mental Health Resources

Mental health encompasses a broad range of conditions. Here are resources dedicated to specific issues:

Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA)
Provides resources and support for individuals living with depression and bipolar disorder.
Attention Deficit Disorder Association (ADDA)
Offers support for individuals with ADHD.
National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA)
Resources and helplines for those affected by eating disorders. Text “NEDA” to 741-741 for immediate support.
Self-Injury Recovery Anonymous (SIRA)
A structured support framework for individuals dealing with self-injury.
Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA)
Connects individuals with treatment resources for anxiety and depression.
National Association for the Dually Diagnosed (NADD)
Supports individuals with intellectual disabilities and co-occurring mental health needs.
Students With Psychosis
Provides support and resources for students experiencing psychosis.
TARA National Association for Personality Disorder
Offers resources for students with personality disorders.
International OCD Foundation
Provides support and resources for managing OCD.

National Mental Health Organizations

Several organizations focus on mental health resources at the national level:

Mental Health America
Offers screenings and public education programs.
Half of Us
A campaign aimed at raising awareness of mental health issues among college students.
Active Minds
A nonprofit that empowers students to speak about mental health on campus.
Reach Out America
Supports individuals facing PTSD and mental health struggles related to traumatic events.
National Alliance for Eating Disorders
Provides treatment referrals and support for eating disorders.
The Jed Foundation
Focuses on preventing suicide among teenagers by providing resources and education.
National Latino Behavioral Health Association (NLBHA)
Addresses mental health disparities within Latino communities.
Black Emotional and Mental Health Collective (BEAM)
Promotes mental health wellness for Black and marginalized communities.
National Asian American Pacific Islander Mental Health Association (NAAPIMHA)
Advocates for mental health awareness in AAPI communities.
Indian Health Service
Provides mental health services for American Indian and Alaska Native communities.

Online Mental Health Support Groups

For students who prefer online support, several options exist:

Togetherall
An anonymous online community for sharing feelings and receiving peer support.
HeyPeers
Offers peer support groups and trained specialists for confidential help.
Emotions Anonymous
Provides support through in-person and virtual meetings.
Overeaters Anonymous
A 12-step program available online and in-person.
Peers.net
Connects students with peers based on shared experiences and identities.

Popular Mental Health Apps for College Students

Apps can help students track their moods, manage anxiety, and connect with therapists:

Sanvello
A self-care app that offers mood tracking and community support.
Calm
Focuses on improving sleep through meditation and soothing sounds.
Headspace
Provides guided meditation and sleep aids to enhance mindfulness.
Intellect
Offers self-guided therapy programs and mood check-ins.
Balance
A mental health app providing personalized meditation and wellness plans.
BetterHelp
Connects students with licensed therapists for online sessions.
Daylio Journal
A mood tracker and journal app that helps users reflect on their mental health.
VOS Wellbeing Plan and Journal
An all-in-one toolkit for managing mental health.

Therapy Resources for Students

Therapy can be vital for students facing mental health challenges:

Therapy for Black Girls
An online resource connecting Black women with mental health support.
Pride Counseling
Offers online therapy specialized for LGBTQ+ individuals.
Talkspace
An online therapy platform accepting various insurance plans.
Bettermynd
Provides teletherapy services tailored for college students.
7 Cups
Offers emotional support and connects users with licensed therapists.
Bliss
A free interactive online therapy program for depression.
DRK Beauty Healing
Helps individuals of color find affordable mental health resources.
Free Clinics
Offer low-cost or free therapy sessions for low-income individuals.

On-Campus Mental Health Resources

Most colleges have their own mental health services:

Student Counseling Centers
On-campus centers that provide free and confidential support.
Peer Support Groups
Student-led initiatives offering support and connection.
Mental Health Awareness Events
Campus events designed to promote mental health awareness.
Campus-Wide Initiatives
Partnering with organizations like NAMI and Active Minds to foster mental health initiatives.
Online Resources and Workshops
Many campuses now offer virtual workshops and online resources to help students manage their mental health.

Conclusion

Mental health resources are crucial for college students facing the unique challenges of academic life. Whether through hotlines, online platforms, or on-campus services, students have a wealth of options available to support their mental health and well-being. Remember, reaching out for help is a sign of strength, and no one has to face their struggles alone.