College student therapy

College is supposed to be exciting. Sometimes it is. Sometimes it's really difficult.

College brings independence, relationships, finances, future plans, and a lot of pressure. Maybe you're struggling academically for the first time, surrounded by people but lonely, unsure about your major, or dealing with anxiety, depression, or ADHD on top of everything else.

You don't have to wait until things become unbearable to ask for help. I work with college students who want to understand what they're experiencing, develop practical skills, and feel more confident navigating this stage of life.

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Academic, social, and personal pressure

When college isn't going the way you expected

You were doing fine. Why does everything feel harder now?

You may have done well in high school but suddenly feel responsible for managing schedules, studying independently, meeting deadlines, and balancing everything without the same structure. If you expect a lot from yourself, struggling can become especially discouraging.

Perfectionism, anxiety, ADHD, depression, burnout, or a difficult environment can contribute. Struggling doesn't mean you failed; it means something needs to be understood.

Finding your people isn't always easy

You can be surrounded by thousands of students and still feel disconnected. Making friends, maintaining relationships from home, and adjusting to a new environment can feel exhausting. It is possible to appreciate parts of college while still feeling lonely or uncertain.

Therapy can offer a place to explore these feelings and identify changes that matter to you.

Identity and meaning

Who am I if I can't do the thing I love?

Maybe an injury ended or limited an activity that gave your life structure. Maybe you are an athlete, musician, artist, student, or someone whose future plan is changing. Losing something important can affect more than your schedule—it can affect how you see yourself.

I understand some of that experience personally. Competitive running was important to my life, injuries changed my relationship with it, and I have also lived with depression, anxiety, and ADHD. Those experiences shape my understanding, but they don't mean I know exactly what you're going through.

Common experiences, not diagnoses

Sometimes it's more than stress

Anxiety and perfectionism

You may spend hours worrying about assignments, replay conversations, feel constantly behind, or avoid tasks because mistakes feel unacceptable. Pressure to be perfect can make it difficult to begin.

Depression

Depression may look like crying alone, losing interest in people or activities, staying in bed, feeling empty, or feeling exhausted rather than clearly sad.

ADHD and executive functioning

College requires independent organization and planning. You might understand the material but struggle to start, manage deadlines, track responsibilities, or maintain routines.

OCD and intrusive thoughts

OCD can involve unwanted thoughts, doubts, images, urges, checking, reassurance-seeking, or routines meant to create certainty. Perfectionism or intrusive thoughts do not automatically establish a diagnosis.

Autism and college transitions

Autistic students may face additional challenges with routine changes, sensory environments, social expectations, and independence. Support should reflect each student's preferences and individual needs.

Chronic pain and injuries

Persistent pain or recovery can affect sleep, concentration, mood, relationships, and participation. Therapy can address emotional and behavioral effects alongside appropriate medical care.

Burnout

You may feel detached, exhausted, unable to concentrate, or as if responsibilities once enjoyed have become obligations.

Continuity across school and home

College in one state, home in another?

Virtual therapy depends on where you are physically located during an appointment. A therapist generally needs appropriate authorization in that state.

I hold independent counseling licenses in Indiana and Illinois. For example, an Illinois student attending the University of Notre Dame near South Bend may potentially continue virtual therapy while in Indiana or Illinois, depending on location and applicable requirements. Insurance and eligibility must be verified separately.

This doesn't describe an affiliation with Notre Dame or guarantee that care will be available in every travel or school location.

What happens if I travel somewhere my therapist isn't licensed?

You generally may not attend your usual virtual appointment while physically located in a state where your therapist lacks appropriate authorization. Planning appointments around travel or discussing other arrangements can help. Let your therapist know about travel or moves ahead of time; authorization should not be assumed to happen quickly.

Campus counseling or an independent therapist?

Campus counseling can help

Universities may offer individual counseling, groups, workshops, crisis support, and referrals. Availability, eligibility, session limits, and arrangements vary by institution.

An independent therapist may fit another need

Students may prefer care outside their university, a particular therapeutic approach, a provider experienced in a concern, continuing treatment during breaks, or a schedule that works well for them.

Neither option is automatically better. The important thing is finding support that fits your circumstances.

My approach

More than just talking about what's wrong

My TEAM-CBT approach emphasizes empathy, collaboration, specific goals, useful techniques, and regular feedback. I use brief assessments and ask about what you practice between sessions when that is relevant. My goal isn't to keep you in therapy indefinitely—it is to help you develop skills and confidence outside appointments.

Insurance and affordability

Can I use my insurance while attending college?

Possibly. Students may remain on a parent's insurance plan, but coverage does not automatically mean every therapist is in-network at every location. Ask about deductibles, copays, coinsurance, telehealth coverage, prior authorization, and benefits while physically attending school in another state. Coverage depends on the exact plan, network, location, and current requirements.

Young Adults' Guide to Navigating Insurance

Learn plain-language explanations of deductibles, copays, coinsurance, claims, coverage changes, and Indiana Medicaid.

Understand Your Insurance

Karos Counseling rates and insurance

I accept private pay and participate in select insurance networks. Review current information and confirm the exact coverage arrangement before care begins.

View Rates & Insurance

Ready to talk?

You don't have to have everything figured out

College is a time of figuring out who you are and what you want your life to look like. You don't need a perfect explanation of what you're experiencing before reaching out.

Request a Free ConsultationContact Me

You can also call or text (219) 386-3296.