Your Student Life: Summer Mental Health Support

May 27, 2025

Life stressors and mental health concerns don’t take a summer vacation, neither does Student Life Counseling and Consultation Service. 

Just like during the academic year, a variety of mental health resources are available to students needing support over the summer. Students residing in Ohio for the summer and returning for fall semester– regardless of enrollment for summer– continue to have access to CCS services such as individual therapy, group therapy, psychiatry, Community Provider Database and supportive referrals depending on their treatment needs. Students who will be returning in the fall but will be outside of Ohio for the summer can access free virtual sessions through UWill, use Psychology Today to search for a provider in their location, or request supportive referrals from CCS. 

Let’s Talk virtual consultations will continue to be available for students on weekdays during summer semester no matter where they’re located, along with several other “on-demand” mental health and well-being resources. You can choose your counselor, read staff bios and schedule with the person of your choice; you may also choose to speak with the first available clinician if you’d prefer. Some embedded counselors also schedule Let’s Talk. 

Here are five things to know about “Let’s Talk” this summer:

1.    It’s free for current Ohio State students.

2.    It’s open WEEKDAYS during the summer semester

3.    You can CHOOSE your counselor or go with the first available

4.    Its SOLUTION-FOCUSED, great for quick support

5.    It’s a judgement free space just for you

Summer break=new routines, new challenges and new possibilities. Increased anxiety, mood changes, and stress during times of change is common. And yes, it’s normal to struggle even with transitions viewed as a good thing, like starting summer break, moving to a new city, changing jobs, starting a relationship or graduating. Here are a few tips to thrive through big changes:

·         Maintain your social support, whether you choose to talk about what you’re feeling or just make plans to get your mind off stress.

·         Take time to rest after the swirl of emotions related to change with gentle goals to get back into your routine.

·         Speaking of routines, try to keep the same things in your day-to-day. For example, make time for hobbies, stay in regular contact with friends or family, or enjoy favorite meals. 

·         Give yourself time to feel your feelings. A few ways to do this: tears, journaling, conversations, art, mindfulness. 

·         Recognize that your emotions are complex. You can feel both excited and nervous. You can experience both grieving and celebration. None of these cancel each other out.

·         Practice thinking about, and maybe even writing down, anything you’re looking forward to coming up, even the small things. 

·         If it feels like your stress about the transition is starting to make your everyday life more difficult, you can talk to a counselor. 

 

Counseling and Consultation Service
Office of Student Life