Parent Resources: Students Transitioning to College

Going to college is more than just "going back to school." The departure is a significant milestone in the life of a family and ushers in a time of separation and transition, requiring an adjustment on the part of parents, the college-bound teenager and the whole family. Regardless of what it might look or sound like, most college-bound students need and desire the support of their family. The new environment of college can be both exciting and frightening. A range of responses is entirely normal for both parents and students. Rockhurst has numerous support services to assist with the transition and help students get on their feet and adapt to campus life.

Challenges Month by Month

Making the Transition

The transition from high school to college can be as challenging for parents and family members as for students. Below is a list of common experiences/challenges that students face as they navigate their first year of college:

Mental Health Transition Guide

For Students with a history of mental health concerns (adapted from the University of Central Missouri)

Why is mental health planning important for students who have had psychiatric or psychological treatment and their families?

• College life provides less structure and new stressors which can lead to extra challenges.
• Good mental health is important for student success and well-being.
• A recent college health survey reports that, at some time within the last year, 37% felt hopeless, 89% felt overwhelmed, 23% felt so depressed it was difficult to function, and 46% felt overwhelming anxiety. Suicide is the second-leading cause of death among college students.
• Making a smooth and successful transition reduces stress, increases support, and facilitates student autonomy.

Transition to college life can be a difficult experience for anybody. Adapting to college with a mental health condition (such as depression, ADHD, or an anxiety disorder) can have its own unique challenges. With some careful planning, it is possible for students with mental health conditions to meet these challenges and enjoy success.

When coming to campus with an existing mental health diagnosis, it is very important to plan ahead.  Students and their families sometimes view college as a fresh start, and decide to stop medications and treatments.  Although well-intentioned, this is often an unwise decision.  Rather than withdrawing resources and supports, we recommend developing a transition plan for the first few months.   Having or maintaining a treatment provider in your hometown for breaks and long weekends can be valuable, but may not be sufficient.  It is important to spend some time exploring options on campus and in the Kansas City community to determine what best fits your needs. The University Counseling Center is available to work with your current providers and to provide a convenient, professional resource during your time at Rockhurst.   We are unable to provide long-term psychological services for students with some chronic or complex conditions. Therefore, it is a good idea to consult with the Counseling Center staff and possibly establish a connection in the community – even if it is “just in case.”   Having the student arrange for copies of his/her records to be sent to the new provider will help with the transition.   

It is important that you and your student understand his/her mental health condition. He or she should work toward becoming familiar with his/her own strengths and weaknesses, early signs that things are worsening, and how to ask for assistance when needed. Educate yourselves about effective treatments and the impact these may have on your student's college experience.

What are the available resources for students with mental health concerns and their families?

The Counseling Center and other campus and community resources can provide support services to assist students in pursuing their goals. However, it is important to have realistic expectations regarding what the university and surrounding community can provide.

The Counseling Center provides individual, group, and couples psychotherapy; however, after-hours availability and emergency services are limited. We have no way to make sure students are taking their medications, and do not make wakeup calls to get them up in the morning in time for class.

CC psychologists are available for consultation with both parents and students, either by phone or by appointment. Parents are welcome to call if they have any questions about the CC, about how to assist their child for whom they have some concerns, or about how to obtain specific services on campus or in the community.

CC staff cannot give parents any confidential information about their son or daughter without the student's written permission, including in most cases whether or not the student has ever sought services at CC. Confidentiality is a very important part of the counseling relationship and we adhere to confidentiality guidelines mandated by Missouri law and the American Psychological Association.

The primary focus of the University Counseling Center is supporting student mental health and well-being.  Unlike most high schools and some community colleges, the Counseling Center is not the first stop for academic advising, career counseling, disability/access services, or questions about transfer credits.

Other campus resources that may be of help include:

• Academic Advising
• Access Services
• Career Services
• Health Services
• The Learning Center
• Office of Student Development
• Campus Safety
• Student Financial Assistance

The CC web page includes links to a wide variety of self-help and referral resources. Here, students can find information and links to numerous sites related to depression, anxiety, and other related topics.

How do students receive services at CC?

Students can call (816) 501-4275 or walk into Massman 3 to make an appointment. We prefer that students personally call to make their own appointments rather than having a parent make an appointment for them. We have found that students are more likely to follow through with their appointments when they make them personally. In most situations, students are seen within the same week they call for an appointment. In emergencies, a psychologist is on call during regular business hours to see students the same day.

Can family members call to talk to a student's counselor?

CC staff is available to consult with parents or family members, but we will not discuss the student's concerns with anyone outside the counseling center without the written permission of the student (with a few rare exceptions, see the Confidentiality page). This means that we cannot share information with parents about specific students unless the student signs a form authorizing us to do so. Counseling sessions are covered by a confidentiality policy and in most cases; we may not even be able to tell you whether or not your student is attending counseling. The best way to find out exactly how your student is doing is to ask them directly.

What if a student experiences a serious mental health concern while in college?

If you are concerned your student may be developing or re-developing a serious mental condition (such as depression or an eating disorder), you can encourage him/her to go to CC as soon as possible to make an appointment to speak with a psychologist. The psychologist will evaluate the student and make recommendations.  If there is additional information you believe is helpful for us to have in order to accurately evaluate the situation, please feel free to contact us. In the event that a student does develop a serious mental or emotional crisis, emergency services are available through the Counseling Center during regular business hours. In a life-threatening emergency, the student or family member should call 911.

What other resources are available?

Web Resources for Families