Articles and research from our team on the future of mental healthcare for young adults.

College students are facing unprecedented levels of stress, as they endure heavy workloads, crippling student loan debt, environmental crises, academic pressures, social barriers, and other serious concerns, so it comes as no surprise that 34% percent have anxiety and 41% suffer from depression. 

Campus counseling centers know the rising concerns and are working overtime to support students, but are, far too often, short-staffed, under-resourced, underfunded, and unable to meet the growing demand. They also have limited networks and few psychiatrists on staff, if any, who have the expertise and credentials needed to address more complex psychiatric issues.

While the majority of college presidents have recognized mental health as the most pressing issue on their campus, few employ psychiatrists – or invest in comprehensive psychiatric care, which is often needed to address severe mental illnesses like severe depression, psychotic disorders, and schizophrenia, among others. This gap has a crippling effect on students’ health, well-being, and success on campus – and could be a contributing factor to the 43-86% dropout rate among students with mental illness.

Nora Feldpausch, M.D., Medical Director of the Wellround Provider Network at Mantra Health, believes that every college campus should take a holistic approach to address student mental health and include telepsychiatry in their service offerings. Doing so is no longer simply a benefit, but a necessity. 

The importance of psychiatry in college mental health care

Long before the COVID-19 pandemic, students were facing high levels of severe mental health conditions. According to a Healthy Minds Study, which included 10 years of population-level data, lifetime mental health diagnoses among students rose from 22% to 36% – and 88% of counseling centers reported an increase in treatment seeking behaviors over a five-year period.

There’s no question that mental health services are needed, but college leaders need to think beyond this to account for students’ complex mental health concerns. By adding psychiatric services to a counseling center’s offerings, colleges can actually work across departments and specialties to meet the personalized needs of students, many of whom are arriving on campus with pre-existing conditions, severe disorders, and comprehensive treatment plans. 

Psychiatrists are highly trained in complex mental health disorders and can work closely with on-campus providers and clinicians to co-manage mental health disorders and provide a holistic, cognitive behavioral approach to care, Dr. Feldpausch says. Psychiatrists should not replace current clinicians, but act as consultants, so on-campus providers and clinicians are supported rather than overburdened with issues they can’t solve on their own. 

Adding telepsychiatry to on-campus offerings and supporting continuity of care

With college students living off campus, in remote locations, without transportation access, and with significant personal obligations, college leaders need to consider alternative options to care. Not every student has the time, ability, or desire to visit their on-campus counseling center, especially when wait-lines are preventing them from accessing services quickly. This is where teletherapy and telepsychiatry come in – and offer a more sustainable, long-term solution.

In addition to providing virtual therapy sessions, colleges can work with psychiatrists to offer medication management support to students battling severe mental health disorders. Adding on teletherapy and telepsychiatry to current offerings allows students to access mental health care outside of counseling center hours, connect with more diverse providers who have unique specialties, and engage in sessions from anywhere, including their home or workplace. 

“We’ve had students join sessions at private locations from their workplace,” says Dr. Feldpausch – and she says more and more students are now requesting teletherapy and telepsychiatry services as they live in remote areas, can’t access transportation, or wish to continue their care virtually over the summer months or on breaks. 

Reaching more students with Mantra Health

Every student is unique. When colleges and universities limit their mental health options to in-person care, they miss an opportunity to address personal preferences and more severe mental health conditions. Not every student wants to visit a mental health professional and many feel their needs aren’t being met by the limited on-campus staff members whose specialities or backgrounds don’t align with their concerns. 

While working with Colgate University in Madison County, New York, we have found that telepsychiatry services could drive a major shift in the college’s quality of mental health care. When providers work together on a consistent basis, they can leverage each other’s skills, expertise, and training to provide the best, most holistic care to their student patients. This includes reviewing student medical records, conducting symptom severity screenings to monitor improvement in treatment, and recognizing physical symptoms to identify and treat existing and developing conditions. 

Our psychiatric services at Moravian College in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, also resulted in significant mental health improvements. Among the students requesting services in 2021, 95% attended their scheduled intake appointment and 89% attended a follow-up appointment. In addition, 66% saw improvements in anxiety symptoms and 45% saw improvements in depression symptoms.

At Mantra Health, we have developed our own provider network to accommodate the comprehensive, personalized needs of students and we work closely with counseling centers to connect them to diverse providers who are trained in specialty areas. For many students, this is a non-negotiable. If a provider doesn’t understand or can’t speak to their racial, gender, identity, or socioeconomic concern, then mental health conditions can worsen – and students may be discouraged from seeking services in the future.

We have the fastest-growing, clinically-backed digital mental health solution for college students and we’re on a mission to increase access and improve the quality of care for college students, while relieving the strains put on health centers. 

If you want to learn more about our offerings and how we’re changing youth mental health care for the better, please get in touch with us today! 

The Rising Need for Telepsychiatry on College Campuses

For college students, access to quality mental health care can make the difference between staying in school and dropping out. In fact, a survey conducted by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) concluded that 64% of students who dropped out of college did so as a result of mental health issues. 

Student retention is one of the main metrics that we care about at Mantra. In our quarterly patient NPS survey, we ask students who work with Mantra whether working with a Mantra provider has helped them stay in and feel happier at school, and whether they would recommend the service to others. 

From Fall 2021 to Winter 2021, there was a 16 point increase in students who were promoters, which are those who were satisfied enough with Mantra that they would recommend the service to others. This was coupled with 70% of participants believing the service helped them stay in school, a 16% increase from Fall 2021. Overall, 81% of students reported that Mantra made it easy for them to take care of their mental health, and 68% reported that they were performing better in schoolwork due to the virtual therapy and psychiatry services offered by Mantra. 

With reduced anxiety and better well-being, students are better able to navigate the stressors that inevitably come with the college lifestyle and improve their grades. This is especially true when a student believes their provider to be of good quality, kind, and caring. 78% of students who mentioned their therapist as being supportive, helpful, understanding, and even “amazing” were found to be satisfied. This only reinforces Mantra’s commitment to finding the best, brightest, and most empathetic providers who truly understand college students.

While many students are satisfied with Mantra, there is always room for improvement. Across the board, students suggested that they would like to see improved wellness content that can cater to a wide range of lifestyles, personalities, and needs. Mantra takes patient feedback seriously and strives to respond by continuously innovating on our product offering, especially on wellness content which can serve as a valuable ongoing resource for students when they are not meeting with a therapist.

Our Winter 2021 results were an improvement over the last installment of the patient NPS survey in the Fall. This has given us extra motivation to continue to build a provider group specializing in young adult mental health care, and to develop new products that can enhance the wellness experience of our college student population.

Mantra Health Patient NPS Survey Shows High Satisfaction with Virtual Mental Health Care

The stay-at-home restrictions and social distancing necessitated by COVID-19 have had sudden ripple effects on mental health services for everyone who counts on these supports and treatments. 

College students have faced their own unique effects, as campuses have emptied requiring students to relocate to their respective homes. Although psychological treatment is included amongst essential services, social-distancing has created a widespread prohibition on in-person therapy. An added wrinkle for out-of-state students who’ve been mandated to leave college housing is that their therapist is most likely not licensed in the students’ home states (not to mention the situation faced by international students returning to their home countries).

Dealing with uncertainty is the core underlying theme of stress and anxiety. Hence, the quick switch to all online classes, its effects on graded assignments, and trying to figure out where and when to study without distraction in the home that now serves as a makeshift, all-in-one school and workplace all produce a state of flux. Not the least of these issues is questions about how to reconnect with or find a therapist for remote treatment – or if this is even possible.

A first proactive coping step is to identify the specific questions you are facing and take stock of your automatic thoughts about them – “What am I going to do about therapy?” Such rhetorical questions are usually veiled negative thoughts – “I’m not going to be able to have therapy sessions.” For a different approach, the next step is to consider actual information – what you know and what you do not know (yet) – and decide on a course of action. In the case of this sort of rhetorical question – “What am I going to do about [fill-in-the-blank]” – the task is constructing a literal answer to it and a realistic, attainable action plan. 

So, let’s focus on what we know about how to access therapy services during the COVID restrictions.

1) First and foremost, remember that psychological emergencies, such as suicidal thoughts, plans, and intentions warrant a trip to or at least contact with a hospital emergency department, urgent care center, or crisis response center, which are still open and accessible. Calling 911 for emergency response is also still the correct response to an imminent risk to one’s life due to suicidal thoughts and actions. Other resources include: 1-800-273-TALK (8255) / https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org (online chat available) / via Twitter @800273TALK

2) Don’t assume that your college counseling services are not available, as many institutions have transferred all of their services to telehealth. Reach out to your therapist and the college counseling center for information about how they are handling established (or new) clients, including out-of-state students.

3) Even before COVID-19, increasing numbers of therapists were using remote video platforms that allow for secure video-therapy sessions. With remote sessions now mandated, even therapists who might have been skeptical are utilizing such options. There has also been a loosening of privacy regulations to allow the use of some popular video platforms for remote sessions, such as Skype and Facetime, to meet the current need for accessibility to services during the emergency.

4) With the stay-at-home mandate, though, you will not have the same privacy of your therapist’s office, as household members are ever-present. The video-therapy platforms mentioned above are accessible by computer, tablet, and smartphone, which allow for portability. If you are open about your sessions with family, you can coordinate sufficient privacy for sessions; otherwise, it will require creativity, such as going outside for a walk, or driving your car and parking somewhere for a session on your phone, or other ideas for safeguarding your privacy that adhere to social distancing standards.

5) Many students live in different home states from where they attend college. Thus, a remote session would be with a now-out-of-state college therapist, which typically violates state licensing laws for the practice of psychology. However, many states have modified these licensing restrictions to address the need for continued, remote psychological services with established clients during the COVID-19 emergency. Although your therapist will be kept abreast of any new changes, you can check The Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards for daily updates of states’ interjurisdictional remote practice status for COVID-19. See updates at:  https://www.asppb.net/page/covid19

6) Difficulties refilling psychiatric medication prescriptions is another issue that runs up against cross-state practice issues. As with therapy, reach out to your prescriber to collaboratively work out a solution. A complicating factor is that some classes of medications have specific restrictions in being prescribed through telehealth, most notably stimulants for ADHD. In some cases, out-of-state physicians have remotely consulted with students’ home-state primary care physicians to take over specific prescriptions until a return to treatment-as-usual.

7) Money is a common stressor that will span pre- and post-COVID life. Most insurance companies will reimburse for remote sessions during COVID-19 restrictions, even if they had not previously done so. Some are even waiving co-pays during this time and permitting coverage for a 90-day supply of medications. However, you cannot talk about insurance coverage without the time-worn but necessary caveat – contact your carrier as to how it is handling services and reimbursement during COVID.

One of the goals of psychological treatment itself is to better manage the ups-and-downs of life. Current circumstances will put these skills to the test as you reconnect with your therapist, not to mention all the sudden changes thrown at you and other students. Facing the discomfort is what advances not just resilience but anti-fragility, the newfound strength and skills gained by muddling through and getting to the other side of difficult times. 

My therapy in college was interrupted by COVID-19 and I still need it – now what?

Across the country and indeed the globe, the coronavirus pandemic has upended people’s lives. Over 150 million Americans have been ordered to stay home, and the vast majority of them are not physically ill right now. This news still feels like a shock to the system, but as these radical changes shift from days to weeks and even months, the combination of widespread anxiety and social isolation will be a major strain on our mental health. Here’s what I’m doing (and what you can do) to maintain sanity during this insane time.

Coronavirus news is everywhere, and it is true that the facts are changing by the day. Naturally, I want to know about the latest number of cases, emerging science about the virus itself, and government plans to address the illness as well as the effects on the economy. However, being trapped at home makes the world feel small, and constantly reading about the coronavirus adds worry with little solace. A supervisor once told me that reading fiction is the best training for a psychiatrist. As we move from our own mind to another person’s point of view, we literally practice empathy. I have also come to realize that reading fiction transports me to another time and space (without exposing me to any viruses). This week, I finally read Tara Westover’s Educated. Reading about the Idaho mountains added a breath of fresh air to my small New York City apartment. 

Remember the mind and body are connected. Just because you can’t go to the gym doesn’t mean you can’t work out. I strongly prefer gyms or playing a sport, but these are not options right now. I’m focusing on what I can do from home: 5-minute yoga sequences in the morning to stay limber, and bodyweight workouts that do not require much space. The American Heart Association guidelines suggest we aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate activity 5 times per week or 75 minutes of intense physical activity per week. If you need people to help motivate you, many fitness studios and yoga classes are offering online streaming so that you can continue your group fitness class from the comfort and safety of your home. 

Do that project you’ve been putting off

Let’s face it: with the lack of commute to work and social events, most of us have more time on our hands than we’re used to. Especially for people who are feeling well and suffering from “cabin fever,” try to think of this time as an opportunity. We all have things we’ve been meaning to do when we get more time: clean out our closet, make a scrapbook, learn a language. Now is the time to work on these items. 2020 will be forever remembered as the year of coronavirus in history, but in your personal story it can also be the year you began something new. In my case, I’m working on improving my Gujarati skills to pass on the language of my parents to my newborn child.

Language and communication are the essence of what makes us different from every other animal species. While social distancing is the best public health strategy right now, social isolation runs counter to human nature. Perhaps that is why isolation is a risk factor for depression, anxiety, poor cognition, physical illness, and even premature death. I have family in 4 different states, and we’ve implemented a FamilyFaceTime on Saturdays at 12pm. It really is different (and better) to get dressed and look at one another in real-time. For many younger people reading this, a video-chat may feel intrusive in today’s text message-oriented culture, but remember, if they are a human on this planet, your friends and family are likely at home with more time on their hands too. While you’re at it, consider reaching out to people you care for but have lost touch with. Reconsider strained and estranged relationships in favor of burying the hatchet. Calamities like this one risk isolation and despair, but they are also an opportunity for mutual understanding and coming together.  

Extra time can make anyone stir crazy, but it is also an opportunity to consider what you want out of life. Introspection requires us to pause and think about who we are, what we believe in, and what we want out of life. Mindfulness and meditation using apps like Headspace and Calm can help with focusing our minds in the present moment. For people who find such exercises challenging, this reflection could take the form of journaling about where you are in your life and where you want to go. Finally, for people who have been considering it, now is an excellent time to start therapy - just be sure to find a provider using telehealth. 

College is a time of exploration, growth, and development. It has its own ups and downs. In that context, freshmen who were just getting their feet wet and seniors wrapping up their final semester (and everyone in between) have all been asked to halt everything, return home, and try to take their courses online. Naturally, much of the magic of college occurs in conversations, group meetings, clubs and extracurriculars, and class discussion. Feeling sad, disappointed, and even angry are all normal emotions to have during this time. If you are feeling particularly out of sorts, reach out to your college counseling center. They are likely still functioning (albeit online), and they can help you figure out the best way to get through this situation. 

Wherever you are, I hope these tips help you as we prepare for weeks and maybe even months of social distancing, lockdowns, and more time at home. Take care of yourself. Look after others. And above all, stay safe. 

Ravi N. Shah (@RaviShahMD) is assistant professor of psychiatry at Columbia University Irving Medical Center and Co-Founder of Mantra Health. 

Tips from a Psychiatrist on Coping at Home During Coronavirus

by Kristel Carrington, Medical Director at Mantra Health

Treating depression involves a holistic approach that addresses its biological, environmental and psychological causes. Medications, when needed, are just one tool I recommend in the treatment of my depressed patients. However I also prescribe non-medication interventions that focus on building positive experiences and reducing symptoms of depression. These natural antidepressants can help to reduce risks of depression, improve current symptoms of depression, and help to prevent recurring episodes of depression. They are readily available and I enjoy helping clients think of ways to incorporate them into their lives. The supplements and lifestyle goals mentioned below have strong evidence for improving symptoms of depression.  

There are dietary supplements that have been shown to improve mood due to their ability to boost the building blocks of hormones that can be depleted in those suffering with depression. [1] Three of these supplements with the most evidence are:

5-HTP (5-hydroxytryptophan) is an important ingredient for making serotonin, a major hormone associated with depression symptoms. 

SAMe (S-adenosyl-L-methionine) is a naturally occurring compound in the body which is involved in the creation of other brain hormones hypothesized to play a role in depression.

Omega-3 Fatty acids have evidence for improving both depression and cognition in adults. Low levels of omega-3 are seen in people with clinical depression. Other than supplements, omega-3 is found in healthy fish, like salmon, and also some nuts and seeds.  

Though research on how diet directly affects depression symptoms is lacking, the food that are shown to promote better health have some things in common: less sugar, lean meats, LOTS of fruits and vegetables. [2] There is an emerging field of research regarding the gut microbiome (the bacteria that populate your gastrointestinal tract) that may offer some clarity as to how diet affects our mental health. [3] 

See our blog piece on food for more information: https://mantrahealth.com/post/developing-your-food-mantra

2. Improve your sleep hygiene: Sleep disruption is a common symptom of depression and can take the form of sleeping more or getting little to no sleep. Sleep hygiene refers to a set of behaviors that promote better sleep. Better sleep means better mood, more energy, more motivation. [4]

See blog piece on sleep habits: https://mantrahealth.com/post/by-kristel-carrington-medical-director-at-mantra-health

3. Establish a routine: There is a specific form of cognitive therapy called behavioral activation. Behavioral activation is a coping strategy designed to increase your contact with positively rewarding activities. In behavioral activation, you small and specific goals and work toward them. The key word is small. Focusing on one or two things that you want to work on. Behavioral activation helps to build a sense of mastery and accomplishment. 

4. Connect with nature: Nature can have a powerful influence on depression. Research suggest that interacting with nature can improve cognition and mood. [5] Many of us live in concrete jungles, which can make it difficult to even think about nature, so try to think about where you can reconnect with it. Remember what it’s like to see the vibrant colors, shapes, and contrasts that natural world offers. 

5. Connect with people: Depression makes the sufferer want to isolate, due to diminished energy to engage in social activities and due to feelings of guilt at the prospect of negatively affecting the moods of friends or family. We are social creatures and connecting with others in positive ways can improve mood and coping.

6. Mindfulness: Mindfulness is a practice that cultivates one’s awareness of the present moment, while calmly acknowledging and accepting one's feelings, thoughts, and bodily sensations. It is used as a therapeutic technique that helps my clients connect their inner and outer worlds, thereby enhancing awareness of their daily lives in a different, more deliberate way. Research shows that activities like yoga, deep breathing, meditation, and journaling, help to promote a mindful mental state. [6]

7. Exercise: No surprise here. Exercise is associated with a greater reduction in depression symptoms, improved cognitive function, and better sleep. Research shows that exercise can be as effective as medication for treating depression. [7] Although there are no clear guidelines regarding advice on exercise for patients with depression, evidence shows that both aerobic and anaerobic exercise has positive effects. Shoot for 120-150 minutes a week of moderate exercise.

8. Challenge negative thinking: Depression can hijack your thinking into becoming more pessimistic and negative. You may find yourself focusing only on things that went wrong instead of the things that are going right. When working with my patients, I teach them about positive affirmations and have them make a list for themselves. They are often skeptical but once doing the exercise, they are reminded of things they are proud of and feel an improved sense of self-worth. They also recognize how much they’ve lost appreciation for those good things.  

9. LAUGH: Laughter really IS medicine. Laughter is a positive sensation, and seems to be a useful and healthy way to overcome stress. [8] I encourage my clients to seek laughter from their favorite sources. I still end up laughing until my stomach hurts when I watch old episodes of Martin. 

10. Seek Inspiration: What are you passionate about? Depression makes it hard to get excited about life. Whether you find it in art, nature, people, animals, volunteering, or activism, it is important to seek and cultivate things you are passionate about. When inspired we feel a deeper appreciation for life. 

Feeling relief from depression is not the only goal. You have to discover (or reconnect with) things that give you a sense of peace. Maintaining this balance helps foster your resilience when faced with challenges. 

Varteresian et al. Natural Products and Supplements for Geriatric Depression and Cognitive Disorders: An Evaluation of the Research. Current Psychiatry Reports. 2015

Firth, Wolfgang et al.The Effects of Dietary Improvement on Symptoms of Depression and Anxiety: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Psychosomatic Medicine. 2019

Dash et al. The gut microbiome and diet in psychiatry. Current Opinion in Psychiatry. Jan 2015

Carney et al. Cognitive Behavioral Insomnia Therapy for Those With Insomnia and Depression: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial. Sleep. 2017

Can Nature Walks With Psychological Tasks Improve Mood, Self-Reported Restoration, and Sustained Attention? Results From Two Experimental Field Studies

McCarney et al. Effectiveness of mindfulness-based therapies in reducing symptoms of depression: A meta-analysis. European Journal of Psychotherapy and Counseling. 

Exercise for Depression. JAMA Clinical Evidence Synopsis.2014

Therapeutic Benefits of Laughter in Mental Health: A Theoretical Review

You already know that a healthy diet has been shown to improve physical health, reducing the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and other common chronic conditions. Now, scientific research is increasingly showing the importance of a balanced diet for a balanced mind. It turns out you really are what you eat: diet can affect your emotions, focus, and mood. 

The Mediterranean diet has been shown to promote a healthy heart as well as a healthy mind. While there is no single definition of the Mediterranean diet, it tends to have the following characteristics, per the Mayo Clinic:

Daily consumption of vegetables, fruits, whole grains and healthy fats

Weekly intake of fish, poultry, beans and eggs

High-quality scientific research is emerging demonstrating the Mediterranean diet's benefits on mental health. This makes sense. Your brain uses a lot of energy and needs the right fuel, including nutrients, vitamins and the right fats. BDNF, an important molecule that influences the growth of brain cells, has been shown to increase in response to better nutrition.

The HELFIMED trial was a randomized control trial that compared patients eating a Mediterranean diet and taking fish oil compared to people who were not. The study demonstrated that people eating the Mediterranean diet had significant improvement in their depression scores. Another study, the SMILES study, also showed that patients on a Mediterranean diet were more likely to achieve remission in their depressive symptoms. Not only that, these patients also saved money on phone by eating the healthier Mediterranean diet. Psychiatrist Drew Ramsey, author of Eat Complete: The 21 Nutrients That Fuel Brainpower, Boost Weight Loss, and Transform Your Health and The Happiness Diet is an expert on nutrition and mental health. He identifies several important nutrients for brain health, including: Omega-3 Fatty acids, zinc, vitamin B12, magnesium, folate, fiber and probiotics, vitamin E, vitamin K, vitamin A, carotenoids, phytonutrients, monounsaturated fats, vitamin D, selenium, iron, thiamine, choline, calcium, potassium, iodine, and vitamin C.

“If it came from a plant, eat it; If it was made in a plant, don’t.” - Michael Pollan

The amount of nutritional information out there can be overwhelming. Here are some practical tips to help get you started on your very own happiness diet. Start with implementing one habit at a time and once you’ve mastered it, try the next one.

1. End your weekend with a “Smart Prep”

Schedule time at the end of your weekend to prepare meals for the week. You don’t have to prep for every meal, or even every day. Having a couple of healthy meals ready for the upcoming week will make it easier to eat well during a busy week. Keep things simple by chopping vegetables that you can easily store, or pre-cooking your favorite protein and grains (brown rice or quinoa) to store in the fridge.

Trips to the vending machine have costs on your wallet, but the costs to your health are even greater. Pack easy-to-eat vegetables (carrots, celery), fruits (apples, oranges) and nuts that you can eat during the day. Other healthy alternatives include trail mix and hummus. Having some healthy snacks throughout the course of the day will also help you avoid overeating when it’s time for lunch and dinner. 

It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the number of recipes out there and numerous ingredients. Try to keep it simple with just 3 ingredient  meals. For example, you can combine one protein, one vegetable and one grain. Or you can combine 2 vegetables and grain. You get the idea. 

When you are extremely busy at work, school, or home, it’s easy to forget to drink water. But not drinking enough water is a huge mistake. Your brain needs ample water to carry out its functions effectively (like the rest of our body, our brain is mainly water). Dehydration can impair your ability to focus and zap your energy levels. Finally, drinking water can help stave off hunger and unnecessary snacking. Try carrying a water bottle with you when you are at work. If you find that you don’t have time to refill your water bottle during the day, get a BIG (32oz+) water bottle to ensure you stay well-hydrated all day. During the winter, switch the water for hot tea to keep you warm. 

Nutrient-rich vegetables are an easy way to add nutrition to a dish. For example, if you’re eating mac and cheese, try adding some Kale to it in order to add some nutrients to what would otherwise be a fairly nutrient-deficient meal. In fact, psychiatrist Drew Ramsey wrote an entire book on Kale and ways to incorporate it into your diet. But it doesn’t have to be kale, try adding spinach to smoothies, cauliflower to your tacos, etc. 

Bonus Tip -  Embrace the crock pot (or Instant Pot®)

Once you find food and recipes that you love, try cooking in larger quantities. Use a slow cooker (or a fancy all-in-one pressure cooker, like an Instant Pot), to cook large quantities of delicious, healthy food without having to be in the kitchen for hours at a time. There are numerous cookbooks that can help you find simple recipes - it’s easy (and fun) to experiment. 

Mantra Health Expands Suite of Mental Health Services in Partnership with Charlie Health

Serving High-Acuity Needs and Improving Student Mental Health Outcomes with a Telehealth Emergency Response Team

The Rising Need for Telepsychiatry on College Campuses

Mantra Health Patient NPS Survey Shows High Satisfaction with Virtual Mental Health Care

My therapy in college was interrupted by COVID-19 and I still need it – now what?

Tips from a Psychiatrist on Coping at Home During Coronavirus

Our top 10 natural antidepressants

Developing your food Mantra