Starting college is an exciting and potentially anxiety-inducing time. Some people love new experiences, opportunities, and challenges, while other people can find it overwhelming to be immersed in a new environment.

As you or someone you know is beginning college this fall, remember that prioritizing mental health is important. The transition to college can be overwhelming, but with the right resources and support systems in place, you can navigate this period successfully and prioritize your mental well-being.

Familiarize Yourself with Available Mental Health Support Systems On and Off-Campus

College life can bring about a whirlwind of emotions–excitement, anxiety, and everything in between. Mental health plays a pivotal role in your overall well-being and academic success.

Universities are increasingly acknowledging the need for adequate, timely responses so that their students can get the mental health support they need. When you arrive at your campus–or when you login to your online campus–take time to familiarize yourself with the available support systems. You can often ask a staff member, professor, RA, or a friend to let you know what services exist.

Here are common mental health support systems to inquire about.

1. Counseling Services
Most colleges have counseling centers that offer individual and group counseling sessions. Trained professionals are there to listen and provide guidance on a range of issues, from stress management to depression to relationship concerns. Some colleges offer online resources such as mental health assessments, virtual counseling, and self-help modules.

Counseling can help you develop coping strategies and express your thoughts and feelings. Some counseling centers may have psychiatrists, or may provide referrals to local mental health professionals for medication prescriptions and specialized support.

Remember that if you’re in crisis, most colleges have emergency services available. This might involve a 24/7 crisis hotline or a dedicated counselor who can provide immediate assistance.

2. Peer Support Groups
Some colleges organize peer support groups where students can connect with others who may be facing similar challenges. For example, a peer support group may exist for survivors of domestic abuse or for students recovering from eating disorders.

Ideally, a peer support group creates a non-judgemental space to share your story, listen to other’s stories, and learn from one another. If you prefer seeking help off-campus, your college can provide you with information about local mental health clinics, therapists, and support groups.

3. Wellness Programs & Campus Health Services
Many campuses offer wellness programs that focus on promoting holistic well-being. These programs can include workshops on mindfulness, stress reduction, time management, and more. Participating in these activities can equip you with valuable tools for maintaining your mental health.

Your college’s health center is another valuable resource. They can provide medical care and guidance on a range of health-related issues, including mental health.

4. Academic Advisors
Academic advisors cannot offer direct mental health support in the same way that licensed professionals can; however, they can point you in the right direction. Plus, they may offer guidance on course selection, workload management, and study strategies, which can help reduce stress and anxiety in itself.

5. Residential Advisors (RAs)
If you’re living in a dormitory, your RA can be a great source of support. They may be closer in age to you, which makes them more approachable, ideally. RAs are trained to assist students with various challenges. They can also provide information about campus resources or simply listen when you need to talk.

How to Prioritize Self-Care during the College Years

While mental illness can happen to anyone, at any time, proactive self-care can go a long way. Remember that if self-care does not help with whatever you or someone you love is navigating, that it’s not your fault.

One of the best ways to prioritize wellness is to practice your time management skills so you have time for studying, sleeping, socializing, working a job, etc. We know this is easier said than done.

As a start, try to establish a consistent sleep schedule. Maybe this looks like setting an alarm at 10:00 p.m. to remind yourself to stop working or socializing, and get ready for bed. If you have a sleeping disorder, consider asking a counselor for their advice on how to navigate that. A long-term lack of sleep will negatively impact your mood and cognitive functioning. Regular physical activity and nutritious meals can also help your sleep routine.

While partying is part of many campus cultures, try to avoid excessive alcohol or substance use. It not only disrupts with your sleep, but also has side effects that can negatively impact your mental health. It is possible to meet people and cultivate meaningful relationships without partying excessively.

Mental Health for College Students

Many college campuses have mental health support in place for students. North American mental health services has partnered with Simpson University, providing students help for stress, anxiety, depression, ADHD and more.

Spending time in nature–casually referred to as “nature therapy”–has many positive mental health outcomes. Each year, new studies emerge highlighting how people can nurture their health by spending increased time in nature, getting exposure to sunlight, and bringing natural elements (like house plants) indoors.

If you have ever been stressed and found yourself feeling calmer after a walk outside, then you know from personal experience how nature can help reduce tension and lift your mood. Here is a brief glimpse into the ways that nature “therapy” is great for mental health for people of all ages.

Humans Are a Part of Nature: It Makes Sense That We Need It

While it is easy to feel–and be–disconnected from nature, people are a part of nature. Historically, most of human life was spent outdoors, which means that our brains and bodies are naturally adapted to life outside.

Humans shifted from hunter gatherer lifestyles, to agrarian systems with farming and more permanent settlements, and in more modern times, we spend time in office buildings, indoor shops, and the confines of apartments and houses.

From a “big picture” historic perspective, humans are used to a lot of time in nature, but modern humans now spend 90% of our time indoors. That is a sharp decrease from what we were accustomed to by design.

Eco-psychology studies the link between nature and health

People in cities that have little green space often deal with cognitive fatigue. This is where eco-psychology comes in: how can we design cities that center our basic need for nature?

Ecopsychology has helped people consider how to better design their homes, office spaces, backyards, and more, to be reflective of nature. Studying the link between nature and health has also helped reveal that plants and green space help reduce stress. Even spending some time in a backyard or “pocket park” can produce positive outcomes.

Children also need nature for overall, strong mental health

Bringing family or friends to a park is an easy way to be outside, get some movement, take a break from screens, and experience a mood boost. Many studies suggest that children with attention deficit disorders may experience reduced symptoms when they consistently spend more time in nature.

If you have a child in your life and you can consider a weekly trip to a regional or city park, a local school garden, or even a local, favorite tree, you are helping your child stay healthy on many levels. Kids often know how to explore nature and can remind adults too, when we forget or when it’s been a while.

Simply feeling connected to nature is good for children, teenagers, and adults.

Nature Therapy can Improve Quality of Life

Many types of therapy can help people realize big epiphanies like, “I want to have more energy in my life,” or “I want a job that allows me to spend my weekends in nature, with no need to check email.”

There is also an abundance of nature-based activities, from hiking to looking for rainbows after a good rain. Maybe make a list of three activities in nature you miss doing or that you are curious to try. Can you try one this week? Therapists can also help you set healthy lifestyle goals and spend more time in nature.

North American Mental Health Services has offices in Redding, Eureka, Fairfield, Monterey, Salinas, Red Bluff and Hollister to work with a therapist in person. Online therapy is available through HomePsych.

At NAMHS we believe that everyone deserves access to high-quality mental health care. You don’t have to be a tribal member to benefit from psych services with our native partner Lassen Indian Health Center.

We are excited to announce that our psychiatry and medication management services are open to all who have Medi-Cal, Medicare, and Partnership HealthPlan of California.

Why Choose Our Mental Health Services?

Inclusive Care: Our clinics are committed to providing inclusive mental health services, breaking down barriers to access. You’re welcome here.

Experienced NAMHS Providers: Our team includes skilled and compassionate National American Mental Health Services (NAMHS) providers who specialize in Psychiatry and Medication Management. Your well-being is our priority.

Convenient Locations: With a local clinic in Susanville, we are conveniently located to serve the communities in and around this area. Accessible mental health care is now closer than ever.

Services We Offer:

Psychiatry Services: Our experienced mental health professionals are here to help you navigate and manage various mental health conditions, offering personalized treatment plans tailored to your needs.

Medication Management: Our providers are well-versed in the latest advancements in psychiatric medications. We work collaboratively with you to find the most effective and suitable treatment options.

Insurance Accepted:

Medi-Cal: Ensuring comprehensive coverage for eligible individuals.

Medicare: Providing accessible mental health care for seniors.

Partnership HealthPlan of California: Making quality mental health services available to our community members.

How to Schedule an Appointment:

Getting started on your mental health journey is simple. To schedule an appointment with our NAMHS providers at Lassen Indian Health in Susanville, contact them directly.

Call Lassen Indian Center: (530) 257-2542

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Your Mental Health Matters. At NAMHS We are Changing Lives to Change the Future.

When: Thursday, January 25, 2024, 5:00 PM-6:30 PM,

Where: 450 Lincoln Ave, Suite 101, Salinas

North American Mental Health Services is excited to announce our newest location supporting the Monterey Peninsula, in Salinas. NAMHS is a full-service Behavioral Health Clinic located in the heart of Salinas, offering a highly skilled team of mental health experts, including psychiatrists and therapists, dedicated to mental and behavioral wellness, with onsite and tele-health service options.

NAMHS Salinas strives to support and promote access to the Salinas community by providing personalized treatment plans catered to an individual’s whole wellbeing. We are committed to welcoming all and understanding that mental health is not a destination, but a journey. Please join us in celebration of our ribbon cutting ceremony. We are excited to have you meet the team, tour our facility, and learn more about our services.

NAMHS has mental health centers in Redding, Eureka, Fairfield, Monterey, Salinas, Red Bluff and Hollister as well as online therapy care.

NAMHS has launched a full-scale rebrand. The executive team initiated the rebrand to provide a refreshing new look to reflect the new life within our growing and evolving company.

Haylee Ward, NAMHS Communication & Design Specialist, created the logos to better communicate what we do, who we are, and what our mission is in this new stage of the organization.

Logo Exposition

The North American Mental Health Services “mark” refers to the NA focal point in each of the three logos and is composed of three parallel, double line pillars. To unify the three NAMHS divisions, our new logos connect through one harmonious symbol. Each pillar represents a company: North American Mental Health Services, Native American Mental Health Services, and Homepsych.

The NA is a reflective shape to show the goal of reflective care in all our clinics and with each patient: the competent care our providers deliver is based on the specific needs of our patients. Layered into the “mark,” two inner lines of the outer pillars are a slightly different shade of orange. This intentional design is symbolic of our two main service offerings— therapy and medication management — that are the pillar of our practice.

The composition of the complete logo was done with specific intention to highlight our mission. The primary logo places the “mark” on top of “Mental Health Services” underscoring mental health services as our company’s foundation. NAMHS was created to support the need for mental health services within the underserved communities we reach.

The primary logo also places “North American” centered on top of the “mark,” with the center of the mark pointing up towards “North American” to direct our patients to the solution for mental health needs: NAMHS.

The NA “mark” is repeated within the logo of each of the three companies we operate services through (North American, Native American and HomePsych) to create a cohesive look across the board and highlight their relationship. The Main differentiating factor lies in what we refer to as the finishing embellishments that complete each of the logos. The finishing embellishments  along with a specific primary color inclusion are unique differentiators.

The embellishments—the head silhouette, the feather, and the window— depict the key service element of each respective company’s work.

North American: The Head Silhouette

Featuring an upturned silhouette, the North American Mental Health Services logo depicts a patient, looking forward and slightly up towards the future. As our mission states: At NAMHS, we are “changing lives to change the future.”

Native American: The Feather

The Native American Mental Health Services logo is symbolic of the native communities that we serve. Our Native American Mental Health Services mission is to provide mental health care that leads to health and wellness for the individual, home, community and nations. The feather itself is embedded with powerful symbolism, and here the angle is intended to mimic forward movement on one’s healing journey.

HomePsych: The Window

The window in the Homepsych logo has a dual stylistic role. First, it plays a part in making the logo’s big “A” a house from where a patient can receive care. The window also creates an abstract depiction of 2 people conversing: a patient and a virtual provider on a computer screen.

The Future of NAMHS

We believe this new look embodies NAMHS’ growth and evolution. We are looking forward to what the future holds for our company and for the patients we serve.

About NAMHS

North American Mental Health Services provides in-office therapy and medication management from offices in Redding, Eureka, Fairfield, Woodland, Monterey and Salinas. Native American Mental Health Services provides mental health services to native communities throughout California. HomePsych provides therapy and medication management entirely online to an expanding patient-base across California.

North American Health Services is excited to announce that we are opening a new mental health center in Salinas, California.

Our newest behavioral health center in Salinas will provide the same high-quality mental health care as our current locations in Redding, Eureka, Fairfield, Monterey, Salinas, Red Bluff and Hollister. Our Salinas mental health facility will house psychiatrists, therapists, Physician Assistants, and Nurse Practitioners as well as office and support staff.

Patients will also be able to access medication management and therapy online through HomePsych, a division of NAMHS dedicated to online psych services.

NAMHS is currently hiring therapists and psych-certified NPs and PAs in Salinas. Learn about the mental health job openings on our website.

We look forward to sharing photos of our mental health professionals as well as the new facility.

North American Mental Health Services, Salinas is slated to open to the public in fall 2023 at 450 Lincoln Ave Suite 101 Salinas, CA 93901.

Feeling better starts with having the right person to listen

If you’re looking to work with a psychiatrist or therapist and are living in Salinas or another of our service areas, we welcome you at NAMHS. Contact our office to start your journey towards well-being.

About North American Mental Health Services

North American Mental Health Services was founded in 2011. Today we have over 150 employees who serve patients in our expanding behavioral health clinics throughout California.

Dual Diagnosis Program at NAMHS: Progressive Mental Health Services in Redding

Millions of people need mental health support, but some populations have been overlooked, which is why dual diagnosis programs are vital. People with co-occurring mental illness and Intellectual and/or Developmental Disabilities (IDD) may need specialized care and understanding.

At NAMHS, we offer a Dual Diagnosis program that supports over 300 clients with IDD. We like to think that we are raising the bar for what comprehensive mental health care looks like in Redding.

What Services Does a Dual Diagnosis Program Offer?

North American Mental Health Services Dual Diagnosis program provides services for people navigating the complexities of both mental illness and IDD. We know that therapy changes people’s lives and that each person may need something different.

Having a dual diagnosis program requires additional training for staff to be able to provide specialized care. Our team receives monthly training on intellectual and developmental disabilities. We also inform staff of further resources available in the Shasta community. Face-to-face training at our Regional Center services often explores the five categories that qualify individuals for Dual Diagnosis services.

Within medical and educational fields, there is sometimes a lack of formal IDD training. Professionals such as Registered Nurses and Psychiatrists may not have received specific IDD training during their education. NAMHS recognizes this gap and actively works to fill it, making them progressive in their offers.

Redding Clinic Leads the Way with Dual Diagnosis Support

Combinations of mental illness and IDD can present unique challenges when they co-occur. Our mental health clinic and Dual Diagnosis program and NAMHS in Redding provides tailored services and invests in staff training. Offering specialized care addresses the gap and more effectively meets the diverse needs of affected individuals.

If you think you or someone you love may benefit from therapy and mental health support, contact NAMHS for more information.

Find Personalized Mental Health Care with Dual Diagnosis Services in Redding

People who want to feel better often benefit from professional guidance from a licensed Redding, Eureka, Fairfield, Monterey, Salinas, Red Bluff and Hollister to request an appointment to work with a NAMHS therapist in person.

Therapy can help two people grow closer. Unlike what movies often depict, couples therapy is more than a last attempt to save a “failing” relationship. For many people in emerging or long-term relationships, therapy helps them develop a strong foundation of love and trust.

50% of married couples will try couples therapy to address communication patterns, interpersonal issues, and conflict. Why? Because communicating openly with a partner requires vulnerability, and vulnerability requires trust.

With the right therapist and type of therapy, couples can experience better communication and trust while guided by professional support.

How Can Therapy Help Couples?

When sharing your life with someone, challenges are bound to appear. Many people do not have experience defining healthy boundaries, communicating with compassion, or listening to their partner. The way children witness their parents or guardians handle strong emotions and conflict will influence how they, as adults, handle conflict too.

Therapy changes lives and provides support for people who want to break unhealthy patterns, develop self-awareness, and communicate better with the people they love. As world-famous psychotherapist Esther Perel states in her MasterClass, “Do you need to understand yourself to understand others? My answer is yes.” Therapy is the key to helping people understand themselves at a deeper level.

Relationships Require a Mix of Safety and Freedom

Based on cultural expectations, familial values, and individual life experiences, people may require a unique balance of safety and freedom. Some people value interdependence and want to make every “couples decision” together; other people put their opinion first, not because they are “selfish,” but because self-reliance has helped them survive.

Therapy helps people understand each other at a deeper level by first unpacking self-awareness. The more people understand the root of their behavior and habits, the more easily they can understand the complex needs of their romantic partner.

We encourage residents in Redding, Eureka, Fairfield, Monterey, Salinas, Red Bluff and Hollister to request an appointment to work with a NAMHS therapist in person or inquire about our online therapy care.