The Foreign Service Journal, December 2022

82 DECEMBER 2022 | THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL EDUCATION SUPPLEMENT Research Mental Health Resources at the University In general, teens can benefit from additional guidance and strategies on how to deal with time management, emotion management, and relationship management at university. Encourage teens to connect with campus resources and organizations before arrival. On-campus resources can include individual and group counseling services, support groups, and academic accom- modations. Seeking treatment outside the university context is also an option. Many university counseling centers are set up to deal primarily with crisis interventions and will direct students to seek private provid- ers after a set number of appointments. Telehealth services have become more widely used and available since 2020. Insurance and licensing regulations vary, so research what could be the best fit for your teen. Check the Psychology Today database and the International Therapist Directory for potential provid- ers. Both have filters to search with to consider place and insurance coverage. If possible, encourage your rising college student to connect with mental health counseling now that they can con- tinue the relationship on campus. Teach them about medical billing and insur- ance, two practical skills they’ll need once they no longer live at home. Keep in mind that the HIPPA and privacy laws on U.S. campuses prevent the sharing of both patient information by providers and of updates on student performance by the school. Encourage your TCK to know how to advocate for themselves and explain their upbringing as it relates to their mental health. Most providers will have no knowledge of this kind of life, so your TCK should be prepared to share infor- mation about their background. Sometimes TCKs are misdiagnosed with multiple personality disorder or depression because therapists aren’t aware of the challenges in cultural adap- tion, identity formation, and sense of belonging in transition. Belonging Every- where and Nowhere , by Lois Bushong, is a good resource for them.