From Exams to Self-Discovery: Why Online or In Person Therapy is Essential for College Students

Many of us go into college expecting it to be “the best time of our lives”. That’s what we hear from family, see in movies, or get told by older friends. In reality, college can be a really hard environment and time in our lives. Moving away from home, managing coursework, navigating friendships, and figuring out what comes next—all of it can be overwhelming. If your college experience isn’t matching the fun, carefree picture you had in your head, you’re not alone.

Recent data from the American Psychological Association indicates that over 60% of college students met the criteria for at least one mental health problem during the 2020–2021 academic year. And, Wiley News points out that the most common struggles include anxiety, burnout, and depression. Despite what social media is telling you, it’s normal to have a hard time in college. This is especially true given everything college students have on their plates.

Academic Stressors

Academic performance and stress can create a negative feedback loop that can feel overwhelming. College coursework can be intense, with heavy workloads, never-ending assignments, and high-stakes exams. Many students feel pressure to maintain a strong GPA, whether it’s to keep scholarships, get into graduate school, or meet personal and family expectations. The fear of failure can lead to anxiety, burnout, and imposter syndrome, where students can begin to doubt their abilities. On top of that, time management becomes a huge challenge—juggling classes, deadlines, and extracurriculars while also trying to maintain a personal life can feel overwhelming. 

Relationships & Social Life

Navigating relationships in college can be just as stressful as the academics. Making new friends, maintaining old ones, and dealing with roommate conflicts can all be sources of anxiety. Romantic relationships can be complicated too—whether it’s long-distance relationships, dating in a new environment, or experiencing heartbreak for the first time. Social pressures can also feel intense, especially with the influence of social media making it seem like everyone is having more fun, making more friends, or finding love effortlessly. Feeling lonely or struggling to fit in is common, even in a place full of people.

Identity & Career Path

College is often the first time students are faced with big existential questions: Who am I? What do I want to do with my life? While some enter college with a clear career path, it’s also really normal to feel lost or second-guess a major or future plans. The pressure to “figure it all out” by the time graduation rolls around can feel overwhelming. On top of that, it’s the time of life when who you are and your identity can be in flux. During this time, students may explore different aspects of themselves- such as cultural identity or gender and sexuality- trying to figure out what feels right and how to be most authentically themselves. And, this process isn’t always easy.

Changes & Transitions

College is a series of constant transitions. Moving away from home, adjusting to a new environment, and suddenly being responsible for yourself can be a huge shock. Then, just as you get the hang of college life, graduation looms, bringing a whole new set of anxieties about entering the workforce and the “real world.” The uncertainty of what comes next—whether it’s job hunting, grad school applications, or even just figuring out where to live—can be daunting. Change is a natural part of life, but that doesn’t make it any less stressful when you’re in the middle of it.

Therapy can help college students navigate all of these stressors. Whether it’s online or in-person, talking to a therapist provides support in managing stress, building healthy coping strategies, and making sense of what you’re feeling. Therapy isn’t just for times of crisis—it’s a space to talk through challenges, big or small, and gain perspective. 

The good news is, research shows that therapy works regardless of if it’s online or in-person. Studies from the American Psychological Association have found that online therapy is just as effective as in-person sessions for treating conditions like depression, anxiety, and adjustment disorders. In fact, 96% of psychologists in an American Psychological Association study say telehealth is an effective therapeutic tool, and 97% support its continued use post-pandemic. This means students have more options than ever to get the support they need, whether they prefer in-person conversations or the flexibility of online sessions. Given the flexibility and accessibility that online therapy offers, students can receive support outside of traditional office hours and from various locations (including the comfort of your own couch). 

College isn’t easy, and it’s okay if it doesn’t always feel like the highlight of your life. Therapy can be a game-changer in helping you manage stress, process emotions, and feel more in control. Whether you’re struggling with coursework, relationships, burnout, or just figuring out what’s next, talking to someone can make a huge difference. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, know that you’re not alone—and that seeing a therapist that gets it can make a huge difference. The team at Manhattan Wellness knows how hard it is to be a college student, and we’re here for you. 

THERAPY SERVICES FOR COLLEGE STUDENTS WE OFFER IN MANHATTAN & BROOKLYN, NEW YORK

At Manhattan Wellness, we understand that the transition to college is an exciting time filled with so much opportunity. But, we also know that with change comes a lot of uncertainty, which can be intimidating and stressful. We are here to support you in finding your path and feeling confident as you take on this new chapter. Follow these steps:

1. Submit a Contact Form or Email Us at hello@manhattanwellness.org
2. Learn More About Our Team of Therapists for College Students and Our Therapy Specialists
3. Get Support As You Find Your Path!

We also have a group dedicated just to college students at Manhattan Wellness. Group therapy for college students is for college seniors who are about to face this major transition of becoming a young working professional or graduate student. It’s a unique space for young adults who find themself taking that pause and thinking, “Now what?” Our group provides a supportive, safe, and empowering environment where you and your peers can express your feelings about this next chapter of your lives, and receive validation and understanding. Our goal at Manhattan Wellness for this group is for you to walk away feeling seen, heard, and understood.

OTHER THERAPY SERVICES OFFERED IN MANHATTAN, BROOKLYN, & THROUGHOUT NEW YORK

We understand that navigating college in Manhattan can come with many emotions and feelings behind it. This is why our Manhattan therapists offer a range of counseling services. The mental health services we offer are Depression Therapy, Anxiety Therapy, Individual Therapy, Therapy for Self-Esteem and more.Are you feeling like you’re not living the life you want and need to make changes? Let’s talk about it.