The Benefits of Online Therapy: How to Manage a Mental Health Crisis in College

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College should be a time for new experiences and mental growth, instead, mental health has taken a toll on college students at an increased rate, creating barriers to education and necessitating added resources within those communities. This upsurge places an overwhelming amount of unnecessary stress on college campuses across the country. Although campuses have added counseling centers, this did not prove beneficial as it is an immense task. The use of online counseling can help alleviate this burden while providing advantages to students and counselors.

The sources that were compiled for this publication made no mention of how online therapy could be just as beneficial. Instead, there was apprehension. The idea of online therapy had colleges “skeptical of its merits”, according to Daniel Eisenberg, professor at the University of Michigan. However, he is familiarizing himself with the positive outcomes of online therapy. By pursuing a different path to overcome the rise of depression and anxiety, he is expediting needed mental health services to his students. Figuring out alternatives to a dire situation is critical when time may be limited. According to a report by the Center for Collegiate Mental Health, students seeking help have previously engaged in self-harm or attempted suicide. Online treatment consists of licensed therapists willing to assist the same way an in-person therapist would; the benefit of that is not having to “be more sick before you can have inpatient treatment” (Shrum, p.4, The Gazette).





According to Lily Bohlke’s 2019 article featured in The Gazette, she emphasizes the shortcomings of a fundamental system which has failed to provide college students timely treatment. Barry Schreier, University of Iowa director of University Counseling Services, reiterates this by claiming, “We’re seeing a lot more students but we’re still at capacity.” While having face to face therapy is ideal, it is not always an option, especially when mental health experts claim a “crisis” abounds. Another article, published in TIME and authored by Katie Reilly, contains information synonymous with the Bohlke article. Mental health in the younger population is imperative because their brains are continuing to develop and they may not know when to ask for help, if they even consider that option. Research has found that online therapy is just as effective as in-person therapy, which can treat a variety of mental health issues.

In addition, while the stigma of mental health has been suppressed, knowledge about the subject is prevailing, while simultaneously creating an increased awareness. Greg Henriques, PhD at James Madison University, challenged the question of an ‘epidemic’. A 2018 Psychology Today article quotes him as saying, “…are we seeing a shift in attitudes…to seek mental health treatment?” A “cultural shift” toward mental illness is causing rising numbers, Henriques reasons. A deeper awareness, self-care, and recognizing when to seek help have all contributed to the rising numbers, which is definitely an honorable quality. Having mental health issues can make one feel ashamed and vulnerable. A person living with these issues should not feel like they are not a part of society. Dealing with anxiety or depression is not the same as having anxiety or depression.

Next, financial barriers can also add to an already fatigued mind. A student’s financial situation should not hinder their need for treatment. Online therapy is less expensive than in-person therapy. Students in low-income situations can opt for this treatment which is an excellent alternative to in-person sessions. Also, health insurance can be costly, leaving the uninsured unable to afford health care at all. While there are programs available to assist the uninsured, there are limitations on what they can provide and if certain treatments are within their budget. The cost of higher education has also been augmented. Dori Hutchison affirms that, “A lot of schools charge $68,000 a year” for the most expensive private schools (TIME, p.7). The cost of returning to school is another factor once a student takes a leave for their mental health. Once therapy is complete and the student is able to return, the burden of paying off another substantial debt returns, developing a cycle which seems unending.

Furthermore, counselors are overwhelmed just as much, if not more, than students. The evidence of this is that according to an article presented in The New York Times, nationwide, students typically have to wait almost seven business days for their first appointment (Association for University and College Counseling Center Directors, 2017). The use of the words “business days” further exacerbates an already untimely need for assistance; mental breakdowns can happen at any time. Business days can seem like an eternity for someone needing an open mind and caring heart to listen. Hiring additional counselors does not mitigate the unprecedented need for council. These professionals are over-booked and colleges are understaffed with trained and licensed therapists. Again, online therapy can immensely reduce this need while also decreasing unnecessary stress among students and counselors. Technology is changing in ways to make transitions easier and readily accessible. One online therapy website, Therapy Assistance Online, provides users with self-evaluations, videos for managing stress or anxiety, and activities to assist in the comprehension of all that will be learned.

Finally, whenever anyone has to visit a therapist, there is apprehension because revealing detailed, personal issues are confidential and sacred. Revealing them to a stranger is even more daunting. Having online sessions makes it easier to divulge the weight that is bearing down because anonymity is easily concealed. Being anonymous online is akin to wearing a mask and because masks are created to disguise, a feeling of relief is achieved, making it easier to reveal true feelings. Once online therapy is considered, being able to manage stress and anxiety will relieve tension for students and counselors.