College & University Mental Health Support with IOP Treatment*

Accurate neuropsychological testing and assessment can be transformative for college students who may need accommodations and specialized assistance. When done correctly, and early, testing can help identify a student’s strengths and weaknesses, support proper intervention and treatment planning and lay the groundwork for academic success.

• We work with Dr. David Rowe and his team of consultants at United Assessment, one of the country’s most proficient and well-respected providers of quality testing to review and update any necessary assessments with the goal of supporting accommodations.

• We also work hand-in-hand with deans and campus counseling centers to ensure students are able to access the supports they need. In all aspects of service provision, we consider course of study, times of day and schedules to set up students for success.

From addressing classroom triggers to learning self-advocacy, our clients work with a licensed therapist to address issues that intervene with collegiate life and performance, including:

• Helping families gain diagnostic clarity (including neuropsychological testing/assessment if clinically-indicated).

• Clinical skill-based work to support symptom reduction and management through targeted treatment modalities (DBT/RO DBT/psychotherapy, etc.)

• Comprehensive individual and group therapy work.

• Appropriate for clients navigating a range of mental health challenges including anxiety, depression, trauma and substance use disorders.

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 challenges that interfere with academic functioning. By helping clients overcome challenges with executive dysfunction with hands-on, real-time skill-building and executive coaching support, they build long-term confidence in their capacity for college life.

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.

Every one of our locations has a designated ‘Learning Lab’ — a distraction-free space monitored by our clinical staff. From internet access to school supplies, our Learning Labs are fully equipped with everything our clients need to be successful. Clients set an intention at the beginning of each Learning Lab and have dedicated clinical support to help with their academic goals for each session. Our Labs are designed to help foster and develop autonomous study skills and self-regulation.

The job search process always begins with, “What do you want to do?” Through one-on-one support, we help our clients process and reflect on vocational interests, identify corresponding employment opportunities, and help hold themselves accountable to their job search goals. We accompany our clients as they go door-to-door introducing themselves to local businesses and networking as we recognize the importance of extending the search process beyond online searches.

Based on vocational interests and personal skills, our clients may require additional support focused on key areas of the job application and interviewing process such as crafting a cover letter or managing pressure. Our skilled therapists are there to support these needs. Skill therapy can also be paired with an adjunct specialization such as social skills or executive functioning skills.

“Our alumni have become chefs, filmmakers, butchers and musicians. It’s all possible because we empower them to be the architects of their own life; our team is simply the scaffolding helping them realize their fullest potential.” — John McGeehan, LCSW, Founder & CEO

Our robust group therapy options help clients connect with peers and learn foundational job-searching skills such as writing resumes, building relationships, preparing for interviews, and following up with potential job leads. Clinicians guide client groups through psychoeducation, skill-building activities, and job readiness activities, and the group setting helps peers learn from each other as they navigate the beginning of their careers. Examples of group therapy options that support job readiness include:

• Job Readiness Group: This process group helps clients prepare to enter the workforce. We focus on key work readiness skills including interviewing and accountability around job searching, while exploring feelings and barriers that arise in the process of securing and maintaining employment.

• Executive Function Group: Executive function refers to the ability to manage or regulate a collection of basic cognitive and emotional processes. This group focuses on developing the skills needed to effectively plan, initiate, organize, and execute tasks as well as the ability to cope with transitions or regulate emotional responses. Group members create specific task-oriented goals weekly and work closely with staff on the necessary steps to incorporate these new skills into daily life.

Mental health is essential for feeling and performing at your best, and that includes college students. When anyone struggles mentally, all areas of life can feel like a struggle, from academic work to friendships and even the hobbies that usually bring joy.

At The Dorm, the students who get the proper support they need consistently achieve the best outcomes. 87% of our alumni have gone on to return to academics or careers.

College readiness skills ARE NOT about boosting test scores or a high GPA. They ARE about helping young adults have an independent, fulfilling college experience and include academic, social and emotional competences. These include:

• Coping with stress and emotions

• Critical thinking and problem-solving

• Time management and good study habits (knowing how to prioritize tasks and avoid procrastination), meet coursework deadlines and set a productive study schedule

• Social skills: (the ability to empathize and connect with others, make friends and advocate for what you need)

• Basic life and practical skills that support self-sufficiency (doing laundry, maintaining hygiene, taking care of one’s belongings)

• Collaboration and teamwork: (working on group projects)

• Financial literacy (managing a budget, understanding scholarship or loan responsibilities)

College readiness skills can be difficult to manage for young adults who are struggling with mental health challenges.The good news is that all skills can be developed. At The Dorm, we’ve helped countless young adults build up their skills toolbox and thrive on campus.

Absolutely! Not only are 53% of our clients neurodiverse but our affirming community includes programming specifically tailored to these students, including Neurodiverse DBT. We understand and value neurodiverse strengths and needs and how they best absorb information and learn new skills.

For our clients with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), for example, clients have reported +44% improvement in interpersonal skills after being in treatment with us, including navigating everyday social interactions. For young adults with ADHD in treatment with us, they report feeling more self-efficacy and confidence in their ability to complete tasks, achieve goals and persevere!