At The Dorm, we are invested in collaborative, integrated care that keeps students on a path to graduation. We work with each student and their family to assess options at their current academic institution, work with the resources and services available on campus, and create an integrative treatment plan reflective of academic goals and clinical needs.
We recognize that the college experience can trigger the onset or exacerbate pre-existing mental health challenges and introduce high-risk environments for relapse, substance use, or eating concerns. These struggles can lead students and their families to question whether they are prepared for the rigor of university studies or independent living.
A Plan For Academic And Vocational Success
We partner with our clients to help support them in building the skill set and toolbox necessary to be successful in independent academic endeavors. In addition to traditional therapeutic interventions, we expose clients to real-life academic and social situations, providing them the opportunity to practice their newly acquired skills in real-time.
Upon admission, our clients participate in an academic assessment with our academic assessment team to determine a treatment plan that will put the student on a path to academic success – whether their goal is to stay in school or return to school after taking a leave of absence or therapeutic gap year.
Students work closely with our team of clinicians to address and overcome the problems they are having navigating coursework; including problems with concentration, perfectionism, procrastination, social anxiety, and other common problems that interfere with academic functioning. (For a closer look at how our integrated treatment approach supports college students, this clinical case study outlines one student’s confident return to campus.)
In addition to academic goals, we understand the importance of vocational readiness and clear career goals for sustained independence. The Dorm’s job readiness and career support focuses on connecting academic and vocational goals to develop a realistic and motivating plan with our clients.
THE DORM U: A Supported Path Back To School
For clients interested in returning to school, our simulated “Dorm U” college classes offer a safe, supported, and structured place to start.* The goal of this program is to help clients build the momentum, confidence, and skills necessary to succeed in the college or graduate classroom.
Modeled off college and graduate school courses, The Dorm U:
- Enforces the structure and expectations of university classes and asks participants to adhere to mandatory attendance, complete weekly assignments, complete research, participate in group discussions, and engage in peer presentations.
- Provides all aspects of matriculated coursework without the high-stakes pressure, offering the skill-building required for successful college class engagement and completion.
- Encourages skill development around writing, critical analysis, public speaking, in-depth reading, research, time management, original thought, and preparation.
- Is led by expert academic advisors and/or licensed clinicians with a professional education background and/or expertise in a specific field.
- Hosts periodic visiting experts in their field for lectures, student visits, and informational interviews.
*The Dorm U courses are not available for college credit.
“In the thick of healing, DormU offers the opportunity to engage in a welcoming learning environment where opinions and personalities can flourish.”
— Sam Coggeshall, LMSW (he/him)
Lead Senior Therapist, The Dorm U Group Facilitator
