Many young people struggle with anxiety, depression or other disorders at some point during their college years. UC San Diego Health offer culturally sensitive, evidence-based treatments for all types of general and complex mental health issues, tailored to the needs and common experiences of students.
Our highly skilled health care teams provide mental health care services to students at UC San Diego and colleges throughout the San Diego region.
College Can Be Stressful
Nearly 30 percent of college students have felt so depressed in the past year that it was difficult to function, and more than 50 percent have felt overwhelming anxiety, making it hard to succeed academically, according to the American College Health Association.
Mental Health Conditions Treated
Our psychiatrists, psychologists and other mental health care providers are highly trained and familiar with the unique aspects of treating college students with mental health issues, including:
- Anxiety disorders, such as phobias and social anxiety disorder
- Depression
- Substance use disorders, such alcohol and marijuana use disorders
-
Eating disorders, such as anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa
- Cyclic mood disorders, such as bipolar disorder
- Suicidal thoughts
Addressing Mental Illness Early
Approximately 75 percent of all mental illnesses manifest by the age of 25 and approximately one in four individuals between the ages of 18 and 24 has a diagnosable mental illness, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Simply put, if you are a student are struggling with a mental health issue, you are not alone. There is also no reason to suffer in silence. Mental health conditions can be treated successfully. Research also suggests that early interventions may improve treatment success and lessen long-term disabilities associated with brain disorders.
Comprehensive Evaluation and Treatment for Mental Health Conditions
Prior to receiving treatment, each student is given a comprehensive, biopsychosocial evaluation to diagnose his or her condition and its severity. A treatment plan is then tailored to each person's unique situation. Treatment may include:
- Individual counseling and therapy, including cognitive-behavioral strategies to develop coping skills
- Medications
- Psychoeducational testing
-
Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) for severe intractable mental illness
- Case management in coordination with
UC San Diego Student Health and Well Being --Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) to assess goals, identify skills and coordinate services to help the student thrive
Follow-Up Care for Lasting Mental Wellness
Follow-up care is important for lasting recovery and relapse prevention. Once a student's condition is managed, the primary care team continues to monitor mental health improvement, school progress, and quality of care on campus.
Advancing Mental Health Care for Transitional-Age Youth
As part of an academic medical center, our patients may have opportunities to receive promising new therapies or treatments, not widely available to the general public.
Campus Resources
We work collaboratively with CAPS, which
provides free on-campus counseling for enrolled UC San Diego students. If needed, we can connect you with other resources in the community.