For many young adults, the transition to college can be an unsettling or even anxiety-provoking time. For those with mental health issues, this life phase can be even more challenging and may create a set of concerns.

 

For students currently on leave, we are offering 8, two hour sessions to support their mental health challenges and prepare them for a successful return or transfer back to college. The first hour will be a coaching/educational session followed by an hour support group session.  

College Skills Coaching: We will address eight skill set categories:

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1. Time management: Being able to effectively manage time and prioritize responsibilities is crucial for success in college.

2. Stress management: College can be a stressful time, so it's important to develop healthy coping mechanisms to handle stress.

3. Self-care: Taking care of one's physical, emotional, and mental well-being is essential for maintaining a healthy balance in college.

4. Communication: Being able to communicate effectively with professors, peers, and other members of the college community is important for building relationships and getting the support one needs.

5. Adaptability: Being able to adapt to new and unfamiliar situations, such as living in a dorm, is an important skill for making a successful transition to college.

6. Seeking help and asking for support: College can be challenging and it is important to know when to reach out for help and support from college resources, friends and family.

7. Goal setting and planning: Having a clear idea of what you want to achieve in college and working towards it with a plan can help you stay focused and motivated.

8. Leadership and teamwork: Being able to work effectively in a team and taking leadership roles in different situations can help students succeed academically and personally.

 

Students on Leave Support Group

Students who are on leave will come together to discuss and support each other in their mental health journeys. The focus of the group is on providing a safe and supportive space for students to share their experiences and struggles related to mental health, and to receive guidance, encouragement, and understanding from their peers. It will provide a space to explore their college experiences to date as well as fears and aspirations in continuing their academic journey. 

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This program is based on curricula of two established programs for college students on leaves, the Mclean Hospitals College Mental Health Program (https://www.mcleanhospital.org/treatment/cmhp) and the College Reentry Program (https://collegereentry.org) in New York City. Katie Chockley, LSCW who was recently a therapist in the college mental health office at  University of Pennsylvania will be assisting me with this workshop. Please see her bio below. Our work is also inspired by the research of Dr. Anthony Rostain MD who wrote "The Stressed Years of Their Lives: Helping Your Kid Survive and Thrive During Their College Years" and has served as the residency training director for both the pediatric and adult psychiatry training programs and has extensive experience in this area of mental health. 

Please let me know if Josie would like to attend.

 

New dates are below. 

Monday, February 27, 2023

Monday March 6, 2023

Monday, March 13, 2023

Wednesday March 22, 2023 

Monday, March 27th, 2023

Monday April 3rd, 2023