Like Skoch, many freshmen with a diagnosis arrive at college without any mental health care in place, said Nance Roy, clinical director of the Jed Foundation, a nonprofit that advocates for the emotional health and suicide prevention of college students. Skoch quickly sought out a therapist, but many students fail to ask for help until their illnesses compromise their academics and/or emotional well-being.
Roy urges parents to be proactive: Once a teen selects a college, contact the counseling office to find a psychologist and a psychiatrist on campus or nearby. Then schedule an introductory appointment for soon after the child's arrival. She also suggests having your teen sign a medical release before leaving for college. Otherwise, once he or she turns 18, you will not be able to access his or her health information unless there is a crisis.