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Learning-Center

Mental Health Resources for College Students

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and as high school graduates prepare to enter college this fall, it’s important to know how to handle the stress that can come with such a big life change. A study by Inside Higher Ed/College Pulse found the top three stressors for college students were keeping up with coursework; pressure to do well in college; and concerns about money.

Whether you’re currently receiving mental health care or want to be prepared for whatever lies ahead, it’s a good idea to think about what support you may need before you find yourself in crisis.

Where to Find Mental Health Help and Advice:

The Jed Foundation offers a number of resources as part of its “Set to Go” online program. Their articles and guides offer tips for transitioning to college, managing stress, how to help a friend, and much more.
Stay in touch or set up a transition of care plan with your existing provider(s). If you currently take medication, set up a plan to make sure you have access to refills at a local pharmacy or mail order service.
Locate your college’s counseling center (sometimes located within its medical clinic). If there is a waitlist for services, or you feel your needs aren’t being met, ask for recommendations for another provider.
Reach out to a resident advisor (RA) or academic advisor if you’re feeling overwhelmed. College is a difficult transition for many students, and advisors can lend a sympathetic ear or put you in touch with resources.
Text “HOME” to 741741 to connect with the Crisis Text Line.

There are many other mental health resources available, and simply staying in touch with family and friends can help bring a touch of familiarity to a new situation.

Access for Parents

Keep in mind communication between healthcare providers and parents/guardians falls under The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry notes, “Students must give written permission for health and education information to be shared with their parents or anyone else except under certain emergency circumstances. Parents can share information with school personnel if they have a concern about their student, but they may not receive information unless their child has given permission.”

If you have questions about paying for college, you can submit them here.

*APR = Annual Percentage Rate

In order to apply for a loan, you must first pick an individual credit union from which you wish to borrow. You can apply for the loan without being a member of the credit union you select, but you will need to become a member of that credit union in order to receive a funded loan. Therefore, it's important that you select a credit union that you will be eligible to join. Credit union membership requirements can include where you live, work, or attend school. Results are based on membership criteria provided by individual credit unions and do not imply a guarantee regarding accuracy or eligibility to join the listed credit union(s).

Calculations are based on the lowest possible rate and available repayment terms per lender. Rate estimates are based on credit information entered by the user and will not impact your credit. During the application process, a hard credit inquiry will be performed to provide exact rate information. Repayment calculations assume immediate full repayment. View the full range of rates and terms by visiting your credit union's website using links listed for each credit union above.

Using the free student loan refinance calculator does not constitute an offer to receive a loan and will not solicit a loan offer. Any payments and savings will depend on the actual amounts for which you are approved, should you choose to apply. This calculator is provided for educational purposes only and should not be relied upon as financial advice. Always consult your credit union or financial advisor when making your decision.

IMPORTANT NOTICE for refinance borrowers: By refinancing federal student loans, you may lose certain borrower benefits from your original loans. These may include interest rate discounts, principal rebates, or some cancellation benefits that can significantly reduce the cost of repaying your loans. Please review this important disclosure for more information.

Your actual rate within the range stated will be disclosed upon approval. Student borrowers may apply with a creditworthy cosigner which may result in a better chance of approval and/or interest rate.