Back to School Support for New Canaan College Students with Mental Health Conditions

As the summer draws to a close and the new school year approaches, college students with mental health conditions and their families should be taking steps to ensure the necessary supports are in place. Anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges can significantly impact a student’s academic and personal life. Laurel House and its gateway website www.rtor.org offer programs and supportive services that can help New Canaan college students navigate their educational journey with confidence.

For 39 years, Laurel House has supported individuals living with mental health conditions in Stamford, CT, and the surrounding communities, including New Canaan. This nonprofit organization helps individuals and families achieve and sustain mental health to lead fulfilling lives. It is committed to providing comprehensive programs and services to enable young adults with mental health issues to thrive in school, the workplace, and the community. Three key programs offered by Laurel House are Supported Education, Thinking Well (cognitive remediation), and the gateway website, www.rtor.org.

How Laurel House Programs Help New Canaan College Students:

Supported Education

Supported Education is a specialized program that offers tailored assistance to college students with mental health conditions. It focuses on practical strategies, study skills, time management techniques, and support to enhance academic performance and overall success while promoting social and emotional adjustment. The program encourages self-advocacy, fosters a supportive community, and ensures students have access to the resources they need to thrive in their educational pursuits. It helps students access disability services and accommodations on campus, locally or out of state.

Thinking Well Cognitive Remediation

The Thinking Well program at Laurel House helps students with mental health conditions build cognitive skills necessary for academic and workplace success. Cognitive remediation is a therapeutic approach designed to improve cognitive functioning in individuals with mental health issues. It focuses on targeting and enhancing thinking skills such as attention, memory, executive functioning, problem-solving, and processing speed. By addressing cognitive challenges related to mental illness, Thinking Well equips students with valuable tools to overcome barriers that may impede their learning, helping them develop the cognitive abilities required for college-level work.

Resource Specialist Service

Laurel House’s gateway website, www.rtor.org, connects individuals and families with mental health resources, including our dedicated Resource Specialist service. Parents and other family members can consult with a Resource Specialist at no cost to gather information, explore available services, and receive guidance on supporting their college student with mental health issues. Our Resource Specialists offer a wealth of knowledge on resources in New Canaan and surrounding towns. They provide free assistance to help New Canaan students and their families navigate the complex mental health landscape and identify relevant, expert services in town or on campus away from home.

Failure to Launch (FTL) syndrome is a common struggle among young adults with mental health disorders, such as depression and anxiety. These conditions may hinder young adults’ ability to successfully transition into college, workplace, or independent living. Utilizing the services offered by Laurel House, New Canaan college students can overcome the challenges associated with FTL and gain the skills and confidence to lead fulfilling lives.

Recognizing the importance of mental health support for college students, the New Canaan Community Foundation provides funding to Laurel House, enabling the organization to offer these vital services to New Canaan students and their families. Additionally, Laurel House offers virtual services and support for students attending college in other states, ensuring access to assistance regardless of location.

Laurel House’s Supported Education, Thinking Well (cognitive remediation), and the Resource Specialist service rtor.org are ideal for New Canaan young adults struggling with mental health challenges and their families. These services provide the necessary support for college students with mental health conditions to excel academically and personally.

We encourage New Canaan families to explore these programs over the summer, allowing their young adult students to start the school year with the assistance and support they need.

To learn more about Laurel House’s programs or to explore additional types of support, we encourage you to contact a Resource Specialist. Our Resource Specialists can provide free support and detailed information tailored to your specific needs and situation.

If you or someone you know experiences mental health issues, it is important to seek help from a qualified professional. Our Resource Specialists can help you find expert mental health resources to recover in your community. Contact us now for more information on this free service to our users.

Contact a Resource Specialist

July is BIPOC Mental Health Month

Observed each July and formerly recognized as National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month, BIPOC Mental Health Month highlights the unique mental health challenges and needs of Black, Indigenous, and other People of Color (BIPOC). Please join us in recognizing the struggles of BIPOC and bringing awareness to the need for adequate, accessible, culturally relevant mental health treatment, care, and services.

www.rtor.org and its sponsor Laurel House are committed to the advancement of racial equity and social justice and to making mental health services available to all.