Top 60 Mental Health Resources for College Students

Across the nation, college students everywhere are returning to college campuses. Some are coming to start a new semester or to begin their journey into higher education. In the Spring of 2023, 16.9 million students were enrolled in degree-granting programs at U.S. universities and colleges. 

College can be an exciting time for many with the promise of new experiences for students. But for others, it can be a stressful time of separation from their families and familiar environments. This may bring about college anxiety and other mental health challenges.

It is vitally important to be aware of the mental health resources available both on campus and off. To learn more about mental health in college, keep reading below.

Mental Health Hotlines and Crisis Lines

According to a survey conducted by TimelyMD, 71% of college students reported dealing with mental health problems. These issues include stress, anxiety, and depression.

Declining student mental health can lead to substance abuse and burnout. It can even lead to suicidal ideation and hospitalization. That's why it is so important to have the proper mental health resources and tools.

If you are having severe thoughts of suicide or have a plan, call 911 immediately.

NAMI HelpLine

NAMI offers educational programs and operates a toll-free helpline run by HelpLine volunteers. NAMI also advocates for individuals and families affected by mental illness. They can answer questions and provide support.

You can reach the NAMI HelpLine Monday through Friday from 10 a.m.-10 p.m., EST by calling 1-800-950-NAMI (6264). You can also text "HelpLine" to 62640 or email [email protected]. There is a chat option available online at nami.org/help.

SAMHSA's National Helpline

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration is a branch of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Text your 5-digit ZIP Code to 435748 (HELP4U) to access the Treatment Referrals via text message option for free, confidential help 24/7. You can also call 1-800-662-HELP (4357).

Disaster Distress Helpline

The Disaster Distress Helpline is another helpline offered by SAMHSA. It is for individuals facing mental health issues relating to any type of disaster. This could include fires, floods, earthquakes, tornadoes, and hurricanes.

It can be reached by calling or texting 1-800-985-5990.

ULifeline

ULifeline is an online resource specifically for college mental health. Search for your university's name. You'll be taken to a page that lists specific mental health resources relating to your school's area on or off campus.

You'll find phone numbers for student counseling and other hotlines to call after hours in the event of a crisis.

Suicide and Crisis Hotline

The Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is a free-to-use service offering 24/7 call, text, and chat options to trained crisis counselors for those in need. It is available for use by anyone facing a crisis relating to suicide, mental health, and/or substance use.

Simply by dialing 988, you can call or text a crisis counselor. Or call 1(800) 273-TALK (8255). You can chat online at 988lifeline.org. 

Crisis Text Line

You may want to talk about your mental health but don't want to do it where other people can hear you. With the Crisis Text Line, you just text the word "HOME" to 741-741 to connect with a trained Crisis Counselor through text messaging. The text line is available 24/7 for support. 

Trans Lifeline

The Trans Lifeline is a peer support phone service run by trans people for trans and questioning peers 24/7. Your call is answered by a trained trans/nonbinary peer counselor who understands what you're going through. They stipulate that you don't need to be in a crisis to call.

The US number is 1(877) 565-8860 and the Canadian number is 1(877) 330-6366. The Trans Lifeline also ensures that no non-consensual active rescue will be used against your will.

The Trevor Project Suicide Hotline

The Trevor Project Suicide Hotline is a mental health resource for LGBTQ youth facing mental health crises. You can text 678-678 or call 1(866) 488-7386 for free 24/7. Talk to a trained LGBTQ counselor immediately with 100% confidentiality. 

You can also chat online at https://www.thetrevorproject.org/webchat. 

The Steve Fund Crisis Text Line

The Steve Fund is a dedicated organization that supports the mental health and emotional well-being of young people of color. Its primary focus is on people of color pursuing higher education.

By texting the word "STEVE" TO 741-741, you can be connected to a culturally trained Crisis Text Line counselor. 

Veteran's Crisis Line

For college students who are also Veterans dealing with mental health issues, there's the Veteran's Crisis Line. You can reach the Veteran's Crisis Line 24/7 by dialing 988 and then pressing 1 to chat live.

You can also text 838-255 to talk via text message for free and confidential help.

National Sexual Assault Hotline

The National Sexual Assault Hotline is run by the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network(RAINN). RAINN seeks to offer support and mental health resources for victims of sexual assault, both men and women.

Call 1(800) 656-HOPE (4673) to speak to a trained staff member in your area or chat online at https://hotline.rainn.org/online.

National Domestic Violence Hotline

The National Domestic Violence Hotline is another important mental health resource for college students. Particularly those who may be in abusive relationships with partners or spouses.

Call 1(800) 799-7233 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for help. You can also text "START" to 88788.

National Teen Dating Abuse Helpline

The National Teen Dating Abuse Helpline is a 24-hour national web-based and telephone helpline. It was created to help teens between the ages of 13-18 who are experiencing dating abuse.

Call 1(866) 331-9474 or text "LOVEIS" to 22522 to chat via text message. You can also chat online at loveisrespect.org.

THRIVE Lifeline

The THRIVE Lifeline is available to students 18 years and older. THRIVE serves underrepresented individuals facing mental health issues.

This includes persons of color and LGBTQ2S+. It also applies to persons living with disabilities and those with neurodiversity.

Text "THRIVE" to 1(313) 662-8209 to speak to a qualified crisis responder 24/7, 365 days a year.

2-1-1 

Not having basic access to basic resources can negatively impact a student's mental health. 2-1-1 is a resource referral line that connects individuals to the right agencies to get the help they need.

2-1-1 can help with areas like disaster recovery, food, housing, utility payments, mental health, and healthcare. You can also visit 211.org for more information.

Warm Lines

A warm line is an alternative to a crisis hotline you can call for support. You can talk about your problems with like-minded peers. You can find a warm line near you by searching a directory by state or seeking out national warm lines.

Specific Mental Health Resources

Mental health is a blanket term often used to denote a wide variety of underlying issues. These issues include, but are not limited to, Bipolar Disorder, Schizophrenia, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), and Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD).

There are also resources for eating disorders and self-harm. Here are some mental health resources for college students relating to these areas. 

Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance

The Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA) is a non-profit organization. It provides education, resources, and support for individuals living with depression and bipolar disorder.

Attention Deficit Disorder Association

The Attention Deficit Disorder Association (ADDA) is a non-profit organization. It is dedicated to providing support, resources, and education for individuals living with attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

National Eating Disorder Association

The National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) is a non-profit organization. NEDA focuses on raising awareness, providing support, and advocating for individuals affected by eating disorders like anorexia and bulimia. NEDA offers resources, helplines, and treatment referrals. 

If you are in a crisis situation, text "NEDA" to 741-741 to be connected with a trained volunteer at the Crisis Text Line.

Self-Injury Recovery Anonymous

Self-Injury Recovery Anonymous (SIRA) is a support organization for individuals who struggle with self-injury behaviors. SIRA offers a structured framework for individuals to heal and learn better coping skills. They do so through meetings, literature, and a 12-step program.

Anxiety and Depression Association of America

The ADAA is a non-profit membership organization dedicated to the prevention and treatment of mental health issues such as:

• -Anxiety
• -Depression
• -PTSD
• -OCD
•  

Join free mental health peer-to-peer support communities, Use the Find a Therapist Directory to get connected with licensed professional mental health providers.

National Association for the Dually Diagnosed

The NADD is an organization for individuals with intellectual disabilities and co-occurring mental health needs. They promote a comprehensive and integrated approach to care to address both the intellectual and developmental challenges that coincide with mental health concerns.

Students With Psychosis

Students with Psychosis is a 501c3 nonprofit organization that aims to empower and support college students living with psychosis. It offers mental health resources and strives to reduce stigma, raise awareness, and promote well-being among the afflicted student population.

TARA National Association for Personality Disorder

The TARA National Association for Personality Disorder is a vital health resource for college students with personality disorders like BPD. It offers resources that help students understand their conditions and access treatment options in a supportive community.

International OCD Foundation

The International OCD Foundation provides valuable mental health resources for college students through information, support groups, webinars, and educational materials. This helps students better understand and manage their OCD symptoms while navigating the challenges of academic life.

National Mental Health Organizations

There are several national mental health organizations available. Each one has its own area of focus, along with unique mental health resources and services. 

Mental Health America

Mental Health America maintains a focus on Next Gen mental health and well-being. They provide mental health screenings, public education programs, and other mental health resources.

Half of Us

Half of Us is a campaign created by MTVU and The Jed Foundation to bring awareness to the mental health struggles of college students and provide the right resources for help. The name comes from the statistic that half of college students are facing mental health struggles like depression and anxiety.

Active Minds

Active Minds is a national 501c3 non-profit organization empowering students to speak out about mental health on college campuses through student-led groups and peer-to-peer support. Active Minds programs are now available at more than 1,000 campuses and in communities nationwide.

Reach Out America

Reach Out America is a 501c3 non-profit organization that serves communities through disaster relief efforts. They also offer support for those undergoing PTSD and mental health struggles relating to traumatic events and disasters.

National Alliance for Eating Disorders

You can contact the helpline for the National Alliance for Eating Disorders toll-free at 1(866)-662-1235 from 9:00-5:30 pm EST Monday through Friday. You can also email [email protected] for treatment help.

The Jed Foundation

The Jed Foundation offers mental health resources to college students. They aim to reduce the rate of teenage suicide by identifying the causes and providing the necessary help and information. 

The National Latino Behavioral Health Association

The National Latino Behavioral Health Association (NLBHA) is an organization specifically for individuals in LatinX communities. They address mental health and substance use disparities within Latino communities through advocacy, education, and support.

Black Emotional and Mental Health Collective (BEAM)

BEAM is dedicated to promoting healing and mental health wellness for those in Black and other marginalized communities. College students can find a Black therapist or other healthcare specialist. They can also explore mental health resources unique to their personal needs.

National Asian American Pacific Islander Mental Health Association 

NAAPIMHA is a national organization with a direct focus on the advocacy for mental health awareness and support within Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities.

Indian Health Service

The IHS is the Federal Health Program for American Indians and Alaska Natives. It strives to address mental health concerns in Native American/Indigenous communities. Substance abuse and mental health are more prevalent in Native communities than in any other U.S. population.

Online Mental Health Support Groups

For students who don't have access to many resources in their area, online support groups are a great mental health resource. They are also ideal for students who are afraid of asking for help in person or those on a tight budget.

Togetherall

Togetherall is a safe and confidential online community where users share their feelings anonymously in a supportive environment. It is monitored by licensed and registered mental health practitioners. You will need a university email to sign up for a free account.

HeyPeers

HeyPeers is an online support group that allows you to safely and confidentially connect. Find peer support groups, coaches, and trained peer support specialists. Create a free account and chat anytime and anywhere from any device.

Emotions Anonymous

Emotions Anonymous allows college students experiencing mental health issues to find support. They can connect through in-person, remote/virtual, and hybrid meeting groups near them.

Overeaters Anonymous

Overeaters Anonymous has online, hybrid, and in-person meetings available. Their 12-step program helps students who have an unhealthy obsession with food. 

Peers.net

Peers.net connects students to peers based on many different facets of life experience and identity. It is a pay-what-you-can structure starting as low as $20. Students may feel more comfortable talking to a peer rather than a therapist. 

Popular Mental Health Apps for College Students

While not a substitute for professional mental health, apps can be a good way to journal, track moods, and record mental health symptoms. Some apps can also help students get connected to the right therapists and mental health services. 

Sanvello

Sanvello is a self-care toolkit right on your phone. Connect to a safe community, get 1:1 coaching, meditate, and set daily goals. Set a sleep routine and complete daily mood check-ins to maintain good mental health practices.

Calm

Good sleep in college is essential. The Calm app helps you get better sleep so your mood and concentration are better throughout the day. Listen to meditations, stories, music, and masterclasses. 

Headspace 

Headspace has soothing music, sounds, and sleepcast stories to lull you to sleep. You can even access specific guided exercises if you wake up during the night to get back to sleep fast. Listen to meditations to improve mindfulness and reduce stress and college anxiety.

Intellect: Create a Better You

With Intellect, you are in charge of your mental health with self-guided cognitive behavioral therapy programs. Access mood check-ins, rescue sessions, journals, and 1:1 personal coach chats. You can also find and connect to therapists in 50+ countries. 

Balance Meditation and Sleep

Balance offers a 1-year free membership to get started. With Balance, you can reduce stress, sleep better, increase focus, and feel happier. Choose personalized plans, meditations, and exercises to ease your mind and manage your mental health.

BetterHelp: Therapy

BetterHelp can help you get matched with a licensed therapist. You can communicate via live chat, phone, or video. Schedule live sessions and message your therapist anytime.

Daylio Journal: Mood Tracker

Daylio helps you track your moods, activities, and goals. There is both a free and a paid version with access to more features. You can also set a PIN or a fingerprint lock for additional privacy. 

VOS Wellbeing Plan and Journal

The VOS app lets you manage your mental health easily with an all-in-one mental health toolkit. Reduce stress, calm anxiety, boost productivity, and improve your sleep with daily insights, meditations, affirmations, and more. It has an AI diary and a mood tracker feature. 

Therapy Resources for Students

Therapy can be a great mental health resource for students experiencing anxiety and depression. It can be difficult, however, to find a therapist that fits in with a student's college schedule.

These are some mental health resources that can offer free, reduced-fee, specialized, and telehealth therapy options for college students.

Therapy for Black Girls

Therapy for Black Girls is an online space dedicated to the mental health of Black girls and women by trained Black therapists. They offer in-office and virtual therapy options.

Pride Counseling

Pride Counseling offers convenient and affordable online therapy specialized for LGBTQ+ individuals by licensed and trained therapists. Communicate via video, phone, and messaging. 

Talkspace 

Talkspace is an online therapy platform. It accepts many major insurance plans for students on their parent's insurance. There are also a variety of therapy plans out-of-pocket for less than a standard office visit.

Bettermynd

Bettermynd partners directly with colleges and universities to provide students with access to counselors. Students can access 50-minute affordable teletherapy sessions to supplement their on-campus therapy.

7 Cups

7 Cups is a text-based emotional support service offering 24/7 assistance anonymously with volunteer listeners. A paid subscription lets you connect with a licensed therapist at any time of the day. 

Bliss

Bliss is a free 8-session online interactive therapy program for depression that you complete on your own. It's offered by the Centre for Interactive Mental Health Solutions, a non-profit in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

DRK Beauty Healing

DRK Beauty Healing is a 501c3 non-profit organization. It supports women and non-binary people of color find free or sliding-scale mental health resources through pro bono clinicians. 

Free Clinics

Free clinics offer free or discounted therapy sessions to low-income individuals. These clinics employ therapists-in-training who need to get their hours to become certified. They are still observed and supervised by trained licensed therapists.

On-Campus Mental Health Resources

If you're not aware, most college campuses have built-in mental health services and support systems in place. College campuses are also actively campaigning to offer additional services and improve mental health resources.

Student Counseling Centers

Nearly every college or university has an on-campus student counseling center you can utilize. Licensed mental health professionals are on-site to provide free and confidential mental health services. You may even be able to get a walk-in or same-day session if you are in crisis.

Peer Support Groups

Peer support programs provide support to students struggling with mental health issues. These programs help reduce the stigma surrounding mental health. This is because they are run by trained student volunteers.

Student volunteers offer emotional support and a compassionate ear. They also help connect students to additional resources available on and off campus.

Mental Health Awareness Events

College campuses partake in specific mental health events such as Mental Health Awareness Week at the start of the new academic year.

They can also offer special mental health events during midterms and finals. This is where students can learn ways to combat burnout and engage in better self-care practices.

Campus-Wide Mental Health Awareness Initiatives 

If your college doesn't already do so, you can look into partnering with national mental health organizations. This will allow you to create on-campus mental health awareness initiatives.

For example, NAMI on Campus Clubs are student-led on-campus programs to address mental health issues. Other mental health awareness initiatives on campus include those available through Active Minds and The Jed Foundation.

Learn More About Managing Your Mental Health at Honor Society

College depression and anxiety are very real issues often dealt with in the college community. Mental health needs to be a priority now more than ever. If you or someone you know is dealing with mental health problems, reach out for help now with these mental health resources.

Honor Society believes mental health is one of the most important yet overlooked aspects of college life. We offer informative articles, job postings, scholarships, and valuable discounts.

If you want to be a part of all we have to offer, fill out an application and join Honor Society today.