Therapy for College Students
Therapy for College Students in Illinois & Iowa
College Can Be Exciting — But It Can Also Feel Overwhelming
People talk about college like it’s supposed to be this golden chapter….the new friends, the freedom, growth, and endless opportunities. For a lot of people that’s just not reality, but it’s the reality we’ve been trained to believe. For a lot of students, it feels confusing, lonely, and a little overwhelming.
Maybe you’re trying to find your place in a dorm full of strangers. Maybe the classes are harder than you expected, or the pressure to “do it all” feels like too much. Maybe everyone else seems like they’re adjusting better than you.
And if you’re a parent reading this, you might be worrying from a distance — checking your phone for that text, constantly checking their location, wondering if your child is okay, wishing you could do more but not wanting to be a helicopter.
At Back to Balance Counseling, we specialize in helping college students across Illinois and Iowa navigate the ups and downs of this season of life through virtual therapy if they’re too far from our office. We know that college counseling centers often have long wait lists or it might feel like it isn’t private enough. Whether you’re away at school or back home for the summer, you can get support right where you are.
To the Student Reading This
If you’re scrolling through this thinking, I don’t even know what’s wrong, I just know I’m not okay, that’s reason enough to start. You don’t need to have a crisis to talk to someone. You just need to be ready to stop trying to handle everything on your own.
You deserve to feel more grounded, less anxious, and more yourself again.
To the Parent Reading This
You’ve raised a capable, thoughtful young adult, and it’s okay if they still need support. It doesn’t mean you’ve failed; it means they’re growing, and you’re giving them the space and tools to do it safely.
Therapy gives your child a space that’s just for them — a place to process, reflect, and learn skills that help them succeed both in college and in life.
We’ll help them find their footing, so you can hopefully breathe a little easier, too.
Understanding the College Transition
College is a major life transition. It’s often the first time young adults are fully responsible for relationships, academics, finances, cleaning, laundry, self-care, and a social life, which can sometimes feel like its own full-time job. Who knew it was so difficult to figure out what you’re eating three times a day?!
Many students experience:
- Homesickness and loneliness
- Academic pressure or perfectionism
- Stress about grades or future careers
- Difficulty managing time or motivation
- Uncertainty about identity, friendships, or goals
- Roommate or relationship stress
- Adjustment to campus life or Greek life dynamics
Even for students who have been high-achieving and well-adjusted in the past, the transition can feel like hitting a wall. College can magnify challenges like anxiety, depression, OCD, eating disorders, or burnout — especially without the familiar structure and support of home.
Therapy offers a space to slow down, unpack what’s going on, and develop the tools to handle college life with more confidence and calm.
For Parents: It’s Okay to Worry, And It’s Okay to Get Help
As a parent, it can be painful to see your child struggling — especially when you’re not nearby to help. You might notice:
- They sound withdrawn or irritable on the phone.
- Their grades have dropped or they’ve stopped going to class.
- They’re overwhelmed, crying often, or expressing hopelessness.
- They’re stuck in anxiety loops, obsessive habits, or unhealthy coping.
You want to fix it, but you’re not sure how, and college counseling centers may be overbooked or too short-term to meet your student’s needs.
That’s where we come in.
At Back to Balance Counseling, we work directly with the student to give them the support, coping tools, and insight they need to thrive. You don’t have to carry this alone and neither do they.
We collaborate with parents during the intake process as appropriate (paperwork, insurance, etc), while maintaining your student’s confidentiality and independence in therapy. This balance helps them feel empowered to take ownership of their mental health, while giving you peace of mind knowing they’re supported.
For Students: You Don’t Have to Do College Alone
College is supposed to be “the best years of your life,” right? But sometimes it doesn’t feel that way.
Maybe you’re:
- Feeling anxious all the time — about classes, friendships, or what comes next.
- Constantly comparing yourself to others and feeling like you don’t measure up.
- Struggling to eat, sleep, or focus.
- Feeling isolated, even when surrounded by people.
- Trying to balance school, work, Greek life, and relationships — and burning out in the process.
Therapy gives you a space to breathe, vent, and figure things out without judgment. Together, we’ll work to:
- Identify what’s causing stress or sadness
- Build healthy coping skills
- Challenge perfectionism and self-criticism
- Develop time management and self-care routines
- Strengthen confidence and self-identity
- Improve relationships and communication
You don’t have to have everything figured out. You just have to start. We can help guide the rest.
Common Issues We Help With
Our therapists specialize in working with college students facing a wide range of challenges, including:
Anxiety & Panic
Constant worry, racing thoughts, or feeling “on edge” all the time can make it hard to focus or relax. We’ll help you manage anxiety through grounding skills, cognitive restructuring, and lifestyle shifts that help you regain control.
Depression & Low Motivation
When sadness, fatigue, or numbness make it hard to get out of bed or care about anything, therapy can help you reconnect with meaning, motivation, and small steps forward.
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
We help students understand intrusive thoughts and compulsive behaviors and develop tools (including ERP techniques) to reduce their power.
Eating Disorders & Body Image
College culture often normalizes disordered eating or intense body scrutiny. We provide a space to rebuild a healthy relationship with food, movement, and your body.
Perfectionism & Academic Pressure
High-achieving students often feel intense pressure to excel. We help you set realistic expectations, manage imposter syndrome, and find self-worth beyond grades.
Loneliness & Homesickness
Adjusting to campus life, or feeling like you don’t fit in can be painful. Therapy can help you build confidence and connection, whether you’re an introvert, far from home, or just struggling to find your people.
Roommate & Relationship Stress
Conflict is normal, but it can be overwhelming when you’re living in close quarters or navigating new dynamics. We help you strengthen communication, boundaries, and problem-solving skills.
Greek Life, Identity, and Belonging
Navigating social hierarchies, inclusivity, and self-image in Greek life can bring up complex emotions. Therapy can help you stay grounded in your values and maintain emotional balance.
Why Virtual Therapy Works for College Students
Our sessions are conducted virtually (if you’re too far from the office), making therapy flexible and accessible.
Virtual therapy offers:
- Convenience — no commute, fits into your schedule
- Privacy — meet from the comfort of your dorm or apartment
- Continuity — same therapist, even during breaks or transitions
- Accessibility — ideal for students with busy schedules or limited transportation
As long as you’re located in Illinois or Iowa, we can meet online through a secure, HIPAA-compliant platform.
What Therapy Looks Like
Therapy is not a lecture or a checklist — it’s a conversation.
You’ll meet one-on-one with a therapist who understands college life and the unique challenges it brings. Our approach combines compassion, curiosity, and practical strategies tailored to your needs.
Depending on your goals, we may draw from:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) – to challenge unhelpful thought patterns
- Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) – for OCD and anxiety
- Mindfulness and Acceptance-Based Approaches – to manage stress and self-criticism
- Interpersonal Therapy – to strengthen communication and relationships
- Solution-Focused and Skills-Based Tools – to handle everyday challenges
We’ll work collaboratively to help you feel grounded, capable, and supported as you navigate college and beyond.
Supporting Growth, Independence, and Resilience
Our goal isn’t just to help students “get through” college — it’s to help them thrive.
Therapy can help students:
- Build emotional resilience
- Develop independence and problem-solving skills
- Cultivate self-compassion and confidence
- Manage stress and expectations
- Strengthen identity and purpose
This season of life is full of change, but it’s also full of opportunity. With the right support, students can learn to navigate challenges, embrace growth, and build a foundation for lifelong mental wellness.
Getting Started with Therapy for College Students
We make it simple to get started with therapy. Here’s how it works:
- Reach Out – Fill out our contact form or give us a call. Parents and students are both welcome to reach out to start the process.
- Initial Consultation – We’ll discuss your student’s needs, answer questions about our approach, and determine the best fit.
- Begin Therapy – The student will meet virtually with their therapist at a convenient time, focusing on their goals and growth.
We’ll support your student every step of the way — helping them find balance, confidence, and calm through the challenges of college life.
