There’s no denying it: College can be tough. And when mental-health concerns get in the way of everyday success, many young adults subsequently experience a dramatic decrease in self-efficacy and increase in psychosocial injury as repeated attempts to succeed are met with failure and result in loss of hope. Ellenhorn is a supportive and effective option for students struggling to balance academic and mental-health needs—and, most importantly, our community-based approach does not necessitate a leave of absence for mental-health reasons.
Ellenhorn’s psychosocial rehabilitation program for college students with mental-health concerns is a dynamic process of restoring well-being and community functioning and allowing students to resume the roles they find most meaningful. It facilitates changes in each student’s environment and nurtures their ability to deal effectively with that environment and their role(s) therein. We provide support and treatment via a web of interconnected services that include pharmacologic intervention; social, leisure and independent-living skills; support for families and students’ social network; a harm-reduction approach to managing addiction; vocational and academic guidance; and, of course, psychological support.
Our teams wrap themselves around each college student in order to foster mastery, resilience and success. Services are provided in the context of deeply collaborative provider-client partnerships that aim to bolster each student’s autonomy, self-empowerment and efficacy in the world. It is a holistic and comprehensive approach that provides scaffolding for success.
Some ways in which Ellenhorn is able to minimize the impact of the challenges young adults encounter in college include:
Transition: Ellenhorn’s side-by-side approach helps each young adult transition into their new role as a college student. We provide support with setting up dorms/apartments, developing routines for health and wellness, organizing academic and social schedules, establishing good study habits, managing ETOH/drug use, obtaining medical care and managing accommodations. If needed, our clinicians are also available to attend class alongside the student so that they may learn together.
Roommates: Ellenhorn clinicians are attuned to helping students manage new relationships with roommates/classmates and provide support and coaching to deepen connections and address conflicts.
Homesickness: Our teams provide an immediate sense of connection and serve as a bridge to the creation of a social and supportive network at college and in the community at large.
Study: Ellenhorn’s vocational/educational therapists are focused on helping students develop effective study habits by establishing interpersonal social rhythms, removing distractions, implementing scheduling, managing time and increasing attention.
Relationships: Our teams are always able to support and coach families and help students stay connected with family and friends.
Mental-health diagnoses: Our mobile team of psychiatrists, psychiatric nurses and licensed therapists provide robust psychiatric care in a community setting and deliver treatment/support to the students right where they live, work, study and play.
College is a time of growth, exploration, and challenge—and for students navigating mental-health concerns, having the right support system can make all the difference. At Ellenhorn, we believe that no student should have to choose between their academic aspirations and their well-being. Our holistic, community-based approach empowers college students to thrive both in and out of the classroom, giving them the tools and confidence to overcome obstacles while continuing their education. With our team by their side, students can reclaim their sense of purpose, build resilience, and create lasting success.
