Mental Health Treatment Options

Silvercloud for mental health

Nationwide, universities report a 30% increase in demand for mental health services despite only 6% increases in student enrollment (1).

To meet the increasing demand and variety of mental health concerns experienced by college students, OSU CCS offers a variety of solutions.  You can learn more about this variety on our mental health options page.

This blog post discusses an innovative service for OSU students called Silvercloud.

What is Silvercloud?

  • Silvercloud is an online, self-paced, computerized Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) based program to help you learn ways to feel better by addressing, thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.
  • Additional features and benefits include:
  • Self-paced so you can do it on your own at any time.
  • Modules and programs based on your needs.
  • It can be done on a variety of electronic devices.
  • It can be done on its own or in addition to other mental health services.
  • Here is a video: https://vimeo.com/502522528

What types of concerns can Silvercloud address?

  • Silvercloud has programs to help you improve Anxiety, Depression, Covid, Sleep, Resiliency, and Stress.

Does Silvercloud work?

  • There are over 40 research papers on this subject.
  • Some highlights include:
  •  60% of users showed significant reduction in depression scores, 56% showed a significant reduction in anxiety scores, and symptom reduction was maintained 3 months post follow up (2).
  • A subsequent study in  the journal Nature digital health showed improvements lasting  12 months after program completion (3).
  • 85% of users see improvement in depression and anxiety scores (3).
  • It is offered by hundreds of universities, public and private organizations, health insurance plans, even the National Health Service in the United Kingdom offers this service to their users.
  • 94% of users said they found the program helpful (3).

What are some caveats?

  • Silvercloud is not for mental health crisis, or emergencies.
  • Silvercloud does NOT replace professional mental health treatment.
  • Some students may prefer or be more appropriate for teletherapy, telepsychiatry, or in person mental health treatment, with or without Silvercloud.
  • Silvercloud is mostly based on Cognitive behavioral therapy and some students may benefit from other therapy modalities for mental health support.

How can I access Silvercloud?

To get started,

  1. Create a SilverCloud Account: https://osu.silvercloudhealth.com/signup/
  2. Log in to your SilverCloud Account:  https://osu.silvercloudhealth.com/
  3. Download the SilverCloud app on Apple App Store or Google Play

 

By R. Ryan S Patel DO, FAPA OSU-CCS Psychiatrist

Disclaimer: This article is intended to be informative only. It is advised that you check with your own physician/mental health provider before implementing any changes. With this article, the author is not rendering medical advice, nor diagnosing, prescribing, or treating any condition, or injury; and therefore claims no responsibility to any person or entity for any liability, loss, or injury caused directly or indirectly as a result of the use, application, or interpretation of the material presented.

References:

  1. https://sites.psu.edu/ccmh/fi les/2018/02/2017_CCMH_Report-1r4m88x.pdf
  2. Palacios JE, Richards D, Palmer R, Coudray C, Hofmann SG, Palmieri PA, Frazier P, Supported Internet-Delivered Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Programs for Depression, Anxiety, and Stress in University Students: Open, Non-Randomised Trial of Acceptability, Effectiveness, and Satisfaction, JMIR Ment Health 2018;5(4):e11467
  3. Mental Health Research  |  SilverCloud Health

Multi-modal options for mental health support

By R. Ryan S Patel DO, FAPA OSU-CCS Psychiatrist

College students can experience a broad variety of mental health concerns impacted by a variety of factors.

As a result, it is important for students to keep in mind that there are a variety of solutions and supports available.

While individual counseling, group counseling, psychiatry at our agency are good options, it is important for students to consider all of the resources available to them based on their situation/need, timeliness, and availability.

What if I need immediate assistance or if I am in crisis?

If you are in crisis, go here: https://ccs.osu.edu/about-us-and-our-services/need-immediate-assistance/

  • The link above includes info on Crisis text and call options.

What if I need to talk to someone after hours?

Go here: https://ccs.osu.edu/after-hours-services/

What are some other options for mental health support on campus? 

  • OSU SMART LAB. Uses biofeedback to help you identify sources of stress, problem solve ways to reduce stress, and practice relaxation techniques with our biofeedback software
  • Community Provider Database through OSU Counseling and consultation Service.  You can screen and find providers based problem area, specialty, insurance accepted, distance from campus.
  • Call the number on your insurance card, and they can refer you to a mental health provider in network in your area.
  • OSU Wellness coaching:
    • They aim to help you create the life you want to live, both now and in the future by help you create strategies that leverage your strengths to create and achieve meaningful goals.
  • Nutrition coaching They help you optimize your well-being by creating strategies and addressing barriers to holistic wellness.
  • Relationship education. Strategies on how to practice healthy relationships and prevent sexual violence
  • Alcohol and other drug prevention services. Uses a multi-modal approach to help you address these concerns.

What about self help resources?

What if I am not sure of what I need for mental health support?

  • Consider scheduling a phone screening service through OSU Student Life Counseling and Consultation Service. This phone appointment with our providers can help you figure out services that may be best for your needs, either with us or with one of our partner offices on or off campus.

Disclaimer: This article is intended to be informative only. It is advised that you check with your own physician/mental health provider before implementing any changes. With this article, the author is not rendering medical advice, nor diagnosing, prescribing, or treating any condition, or injury; and therefore claims no responsibility to any person or entity for any liability, loss, or injury caused directly or indirectly as a result of the use, application, or interpretation of the material presented.