International students may face challenges in maintaining their mental health. This article provides a guide on finding a reliable therapist in the U.S.
Studying abroad is a journey full of challenges. In a foreign country, you will need to manage academic responsibilities and daily tasks in an unfamiliar language and environment. Many international students may experience depression due to factors such as language barriers, academic stress, social difficulties, job search pressures, cultural differences, and relationship issues. These challenges can feel even more overwhelming when you are far from home. In such situations, it is crucial for international students to maintain their mental health. Below, we will outline some options for seeking mental therapy.
What to Know About Mental Therapy
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Therapy is not just for those with a mental illness; it is a proactive approach to maintaining your mental well-being. Whether you are dealing with anxiety, depression, or simply feeling isolated, talking to a therapist can help you clarify your thoughts, process your emotions, and receive emotional support.
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Mental health issues carry a stigma, but there is no shame in seeking help. In fact, a 2022 survey found that 19.86% of American adults experience mental health challenges. Many people, even those who seem cheerful and positive, regularly attend therapy. So, do not hesitate to reach out if you need support.
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If you are having suicidal thoughts or if your mental health is severely impacting your ability to eat or sleep, you should seek therapy immediately. You can visit the university health center in person or call the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline for immediate support.
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Therapy is a confidential process protected by law. Your privacy is respected unless there are extreme situations, such as threats to harm others or legal obligations to testify in court.
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Most student health insurance plans cover therapy, and many schools offer free mental health services through their health centers.
Mental Health Resources
1. University Health Center
Most university health centers provide students with free therapy services, which are available through online appointments. The advantage of these services is that they are free, while their disadvantage is that you need to wait a long time for appointments. However, if you are in an urgent situation—such as experiencing suicidal thoughts—you can walk in for immediate assistance. These services are usually talk therapy and do not involve prescribing medication.
2. Request a Referral to an Off-Campus Therapist
If you think that the university’s therapists do not meet your needs, you can ask your primary care physician to refer you to an off-campus therapist. They will provide you with a list of options. Therapists recommended by the school are usually in-network and covered by school insurance. You will need to pay a co-pay of around $10-$50 per session. If you have off-campus health insurance, you can also request a referral from your primary care physician.
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3. Online Resources
You can use the following websites to find therapists in your area. Some websites, such as My Wellbeing and Zen Care, charge therapists an annual fee to be listed, which might make these therapists more proactive and attentive to clients.
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Psychology Today (Nationwide)
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My Wellbeing (East & West Coasts)
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Zen Care (East & West Coasts)
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Bridges (East Coast, specializing in Asian-American communities)
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Open Path Collective (Nationwide)
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Psychologist Locator (Nationwide)
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Zocdoc (App)
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You can also visit your insurance company’s website and search for “therapist.” The therapists that appear in the search results will typically be in-network.
Note:
When using online resources to find a therapist, make sure to verify whether the therapist is within your insurance network. We recommend that students directly confirm this with their insurance company. Choosing an out-of-network therapist may result in significant costs.
4. Psychiatrists
The key difference between psychiatrists and therapists is that psychiatrists can prescribe medication, while therapists cannot. If your mental health is significantly impacting your daily life, you may need to ask your primary care physician for a referral to a psychiatrist.
5. Non-Profit Organizations
Some nonprofit organizations offer free or low-cost mental health services. These services are convenient and affordable, but they typically cannot prescribe medication and may not be suitable for long-term treatment.
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NYCWELL
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Local social work organizations