College should be an exciting time, but the pressures of newfound independence result in emotional struggles and unhealthy coping methods for many. Our evidence-based treatment programs for college-aged adults (18+) facing mental health or substance use challenges provides students with the strategies and tools to succeed in college and beyond.
What We Treat
At Pasadena Villa, we offer specialized, inclusive treatment for college students to address mental health conditions and co-occurring substance use disorders, setting them up to thrive academically and personally.
Why Pasadena Villa is the Right Choice for College Students
Young adults benefit from treatment programs designed to meet their unique needs, alongside peers navigating similar life transitions and academic pressures.
We collaborate with schools to help students successfully navigate medical leave, re-entry, and academic planning, minimizing disruptions and protecting their privacy.
We offer the level of care you need, ranging from residential treatment to intensive outpatient programming, so you’ll get a program that meets you where you are — right now.
Our comprehensive programming includes one-on-one and group therapy, psychiatry, medication management, life skills, and more.
Fast Facts: College Students + Behavioral Health
of college students in America reported having an anxiety disorder in the previous academic year
of college students self-harmed in the past year
of college students met the criteria for a substance use disorder
of students in need of treatment actually receive it
Sources: Healthy Minds Study, SAMHSA
What’s Behind It: Common Causes of Mental Health + Substance Use Challenges in College
College-level workloads, deadlines, and competition can quickly become overwhelming. Without the structure of home, many students experience stress and anxiety that can lead to burnout, depression, or unhealthy coping habits.
College brings freedom — along with big decisions. Navigating independence, new social roles, and shifting identities can be both exciting and emotionally overwhelming. This emotional strain can take a toll.
We all crave connection, but relationships take time to develop. That struggle can increase loneliness, a known risk factor for depression.
Our comprehensive programming includes one-on-one and group therapy, psychiatry, medication management, life skills, and more.
Constant pressure to measure up — especially in the age of social media — can lead to anxiety, self-criticism, and burnout when perfection feels out of reach.
You may feel ready for anything, but stress, setbacks, and emotional dysregulation can still hit hard. Without the right tools, it’s easy to slip into avoidance, isolation, or unhealthy coping.
Taking Time Off to Get Help
Taking a leave of absence from school to focus on your health may not seem possible, but it’s not as uncommon as you might think. Whether you need to address a mental health or substance use condition, with proper planning, you can protect both your academic progress and overall well-being. This makes it a wise decision for your long-term success.
What you need to know to navigate the process:
Review your college’s leave of absence guidelines and meet with the appropriate administrators to make sure you fully understand your options and responsibilities.
Submit a formal leave request and notify the necessary campus contacts, such as the Dean of Students, Disability Services, or Residence Life staff. Maintain open communication while protecting your privacy.
Meet with your academic advisor to discuss next steps so you can determine which options — from course withdrawals and incompletes to pass/fail grading — are best for your situation and communicate that to your professors.
Treatment may feel like a setback, but it’s only temporary. By taking the time you need to heal and following your treatment plan, you’ll return to campus with new routines that support your emotional, mental, and physical well-being.
Collaborating with your academic advisor on a reintegration plan, which may include a reduced course load or support services for your first semester back, can help ease the transition back to school. Also, remember to stay connected to therapy, peer support, and campus resources.
FAQs
Will this impact my academic progress?
Our clinical team can help coordinate a smooth return to campus by providing documentation for medical leave or academic accommodations. We’ll work with you — and your school if needed — to support both your treatment and educational goals.
What conditions does Pasadena Villa treat?
Pasadena Villa specializes in treating a wide range of mental health conditions commonly affecting college-aged adults, including anxiety disorders, depression, bipolar disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), personality disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
How long does treatment take?
There’s no one-size-fits-all timeline at Pasadena Villa. Length of stay is based on each client’s unique needs, progress, and response to care. We don’t follow preset program durations — instead, our multidisciplinary treatment team collaborates with the client and their family to determine the most appropriate length of stay. For those using insurance, coverage and approvals may also influence the duration of treatment.
Can my family be involved?
Yes. With your consent, Pasadena Villa encourages family involvement through therapy sessions, education, and communication support. Family participation helps strengthen relationships, foster understanding, and support long-term healing.
What support is available after I finish the program?
Pasadena Villa provides customized aftercare planning to ensure a smooth transition out of treatment. This includes alum support, referrals to outpatient therapists or psychiatrists, and coordination with on-campus counseling or wellness services to help you maintain progress and stay connected to ongoing care.
Our Locations
From the tranquil beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains to the shores of Lake Michigan, Pasadena Villa’s treatment programs take place in serene settings ideal for rest, reflection, and healing.