What Parents Need to Know About Counseling and Psychotherapy

Today's college and university students find mental health services far more available and acceptable than did students in their parents' generation. But even bright and well-educated people still tend to attach stigma to getting help with emotional problems and the considerable developmental challenges of the college years. Parents are advised to acknowledge their sons and daughters needs to grow psychologically and to try to reduce the stigma. Practical information about services is provided, major kinds of crises-including sucicide threats, substance abuse and psychotic breakdown- are discussed, and psychotherapy is described as a process of experiential learning. In conclusion, some results of college student psychotherapy are noted.