Mental Health Treatment for College Students
College is supposed to be the best years of your life, which makes it harder to admit when it is not. Anxiety, depression, panic attacks, and substance use spike during the college years, and campus counseling centers are often stretched to a few sessions a semester. Forrest Behavioral Health offers a next step for students who need more.
Our clinic in Hoffman Estates, Illinois, serves students at Harper College, Roosevelt University Schaumburg, Elgin Community College, Northern Illinois University, DePaul, Loyola, UIC, and other campuses across the Chicago area, with evening and telehealth options that fit around classes.
Medically reviewed by Annmarie Gacek, LCSW, CADC, C-DBT, Clinical Director · Last reviewed October 21, 2026
Why College Students Struggle, and Why It Is Treatable
The transition to college removes the structure and support most students grew up with, right when the brain is still developing and the pressure to perform is highest. Roughly one in three college students meets criteria for a mental health condition in a given year, and most never receive treatment. Untreated anxiety and depression are among the leading reasons students drop out.
The good news is that these conditions respond quickly to treatment at this age. A structured program for a few weeks, often during a break or a lighter semester, can change the trajectory of a student’s entire college experience. We coordinate with campus counseling centers and disability services when students want us to, and we help with documentation for medical withdrawals or accommodations.
REQUEST A CALL
Request a Call
Wondering whether our programs fit your situation? Request a confidential call and a recovery specialist will answer your questions privately and verify your insurance.
"*" indicates required fields
Common Challenges We See
Students and parents often reach out after noticing:
- Panic attacks before exams, presentations, or social events
- Skipping classes or falling behind after a strong start
- Sleeping all day or not at all
- Drinking or using substances far beyond typical college levels
- Withdrawing from friends and activities
- Perfectionism, burnout, or constant dread about grades
- Homesickness that turns into depression
- Disordered eating or compulsive exercise
- Self-harm or thoughts of suicide
- Being sent home from school for a mental health concern
Forrest Behavioral Health
Struggling at school, or worried about a student who is? Call our Hoffman Estates team to speak with a recovery specialist today.
How We Tailor Treatment for College Students
We build treatment plans around the academic calendar and the realities of student life, with heavy emphasis on skills students can use on campus.
Treatment That Works Around Classes
Our evening IOP allows students to stay enrolled while getting several hours of treatment a week. During breaks, our day treatment program offers a more intensive reset.
Skills for Campus Life
Family Involvement
For students on a parent’s insurance or living at home, family sessions help parents support recovery without taking over.
Programs That Fit Your Schedule
Our day treatment program, intensive outpatient program, evening IOP, and outpatient program offer a range of intensity, and telehealth is available across Illinois for clients who cannot attend in person every time.
Conditions We Treat
We provide integrated care for depression, anxiety, PTSD and trauma, bipolar disorder, OCD, and co-occurring substance use, with psychiatric medication management available on site.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will treatment affect my academic record?
No. Treatment is confidential and separate from your school. If you choose, we can provide documentation to support a medical withdrawal, incomplete, or accommodations.
Can I use my parents' insurance?
Yes. Students are typically covered under a parent’s plan until age 26. We will verify benefits for free, and we handle the process discreetly.
Is treatment confidential?
Yes. Your treatment is protected by HIPAA and, for substance use treatment, by additional federal confidentiality rules. Nothing is shared with an employer, school, or anyone else without your written consent, except in the narrow situations required by law.
Does insurance cover treatment?
Most commercial insurance plans cover outpatient mental health and substance use treatment, including PHP and IOP. We will verify your benefits for free before you begin.
What if I am in crisis right now?
If you are in danger or having thoughts of harming yourself, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, or go to the nearest emergency room.
Forrest Behavioral Health
Ready to get back on track? Our Hoffman Estates team works with students across the Chicago area. We are here for you.
Treatment Programs
Need treatment?
Ready to talk? Request a confidential call.
"*" indicates required fields
Other Programs
Outpatient Program (OP)
The outpatient program at our rehab is tailored to those who have completed higher levels of care or require a less intensive treatment approach due to their stage in recovery. During standard outpatient treatment, clients engage in therapy sessions once or twice a week, focusing on maintaining sobriety, strengthening coping mechanisms, and continuing personal growth in recovery. This flexible program is designed to support clients as they navigate the challenges of everyday life, providing ongoing support and resources while allowing them to fulfill their personal, professional, and family commitments. It’s an ideal solution for long-term recovery management, offering a supportive network and professional guidance as clients build a fulfilling, sober life.
Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)
Our intensive outpatient program is designed for individuals who need more support than standard outpatient treatment but have a stable living situation that supports their recovery journey. An intensive outpatient program involves attending therapy sessions and group meetings several times a week, often during evenings or weekends, to accommodate work or school schedules. This level of care allows clients to integrate real-world experiences into their treatment, applying learned skills in daily life while maintaining a strong connection to support and guidance. The focus is on developing personal accountability, understanding the root causes of addiction, and building a sustainable recovery plan.