Virtual Counseling for College Students While Away from Home
Posted: July 24, 2023
By Rachel Fowler, MS, LPC, NCC
Virtual counseling sessions are available for college students while away from home. Starting college and moving away from home is a difficult transition for students. College students are faced with new challenges and issues every day. These new challenges include less accountability from adults and teachers, larger classroom sizes compared to high school, and full responsibility for their schedule. In addition to the academic pressures in college, there are also new peer and social issues for students. It can be overwhelming for college students trying to navigate the new challenges they are faced with while away from home. Here are four ways virtual counseling can help set your college student up for success.
Virtual Counseling Increases Accountability
Many college students become overwhelmed with changes to their lifestyle and increasing academic pressures. Finding a balance between personal and academic growth can have college students experience increased anxiety levels. When individuals are constantly anxious, it is difficult to stay focused on their goals. A therapist can assist college students in consistently evaluating their short-term goals to help them stay accountable. The long-term goal is to graduate from college, but a therapist will assist the student in staying accountable for all the short-term goals needed to make the long-term goal possible.
Virtual counseling has many advantages. The main one is that it is flexible and easily fits into a busy schedule. If you, as the parent or guardian, or your college student is feeling anxious or worried about these new changes, give us a call. Here at The Center at Cinco Ranch, one of our goals is to help minimize the stigma surrounding counseling to help explain the many benefits counseling can have. Counseling can be a safe space for your student while they are going through this new transition in their life and learning more about themselves and the world around them.
Four Ways Virtual Counseling Sessions Can Help:
Virtual Counseling Increases Accountability 
Many college students become overwhelmed with changes to their lifestyle and increasing academic pressures. Finding a balance between personal and academic growth can have college students experience increased anxiety levels. When individuals are constantly anxious, it is difficult to stay focused on their goals. A therapist can assist college students in consistently evaluating their short-term goals to help them stay accountable. The long-term goal is to graduate from college, but a therapist will assist the student in staying accountable for all the short-term goals needed to make the long-term goal possible.
Virtual Counseling Improves Problem-solving Skills
While a student is away at college, they may not always feel comfortable calling home or telling their parent or guardian about all of their issues. In those situations, a therapist can step in and help the student evaluate the concern. I like to think of the therapist as a safety net, another safe and trusted adult in their life. As the parent or guardian, you will have peace of mind that the therapist will always keep the student’s well-being and safety a priority while assisting the student in navigating any concern that arises during sessions.Virtual Counseling Increases Interpersonal Communication Skills
When talking to a therapist, part of the process is the freedom and safe space for the student to speak about any issues they are having. Through this process, the student gains insight into their needs, feelings, and emotions. Through this understanding, they naturally increase their ability to communicate and understand those around them.Virtual Counseling Helps Recognize Problematic Behaviors
College is a time when students are faced with difficult decisions around every corner. A therapist can provide a safe, non-judgmental space for the student to open up about their experiences in college. This allows the therapist to address problematic behaviors in an open-minded and safe environment.
Is Virtual Counseling Appropriate For My College Student?
Virtual counseling has many advantages. The main one is that it is flexible and easily fits into a busy schedule. If you, as the parent or guardian, or your college student is feeling anxious or worried about these new changes, give us a call. Here at The Center at Cinco Ranch, one of our goals is to help minimize the stigma surrounding counseling to help explain the many benefits counseling can have. Counseling can be a safe space for your student while they are going through this new transition in their life and learning more about themselves and the world around them.
Begin Therapy or Support For Mental Health in Katy, TX!
If you feel your teen could benefit from virtual counseling to help ease their transition to college, one of the therapists at The Counseling Center at Cinco Ranch can help! We provide mental health counseling, as well as other mental health services. To begin counseling virtually, follow these three steps:- Contact our office to set up an appointment or to learn more information
- Meet with one of our knowledgeable therapists
- Find ways to thrive through therapy today!