Cornell University student Veronica* has experienced many ups and downs in her mental health journey. As a high school student, forging a meaningful connection with therapists proved challenging. 

“I was getting matched with therapists that I didn’t feel a connection with… or I felt like I wasn’t being heard or listened to.” These early encounters made Veronica question the effectiveness of therapy, and led to her abandoning mental health care during her junior year of high school.

It wasn’t until her sophomore year of college when she delved back into therapy. The Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS) at Cornell referred Veronica to Mantra Health’s telehealth services, which has led to a more tailored and improved experience. Since working with a Mantra therapist, Veronica has been better able to track her progress and access the tailored care she needs right when she needs it.

“I just really like the platform. I really like Mantra Health. It has been very monumental to my own self-improvement.”

– Veronica

Recognizing the Value of Telehealth 

Despite initial reservations about virtual care, Veronica discovered that her telehealth experience wasn’t compromised by the digital divide. In fact, it was markedly improved. Teletherapy provided Veronica with more accessible, tailored therapeutic interventions. 

“At first, I was worried that there would be a gap because I like talking in-person better,” Veronica says. “What really bridged that gap was how much I was able to see my own progress.” 

In contrast to her in-person therapy experiences, Veronica found that her Mantra Health therapist reflected back on past sessions and made notes on her progress in session, which created a more tailored experience. “I really like the very personal, intimate therapy.”

The convenience of telehealth, coupled with progress tracking tools, redefined Veronica’s perception of therapy. Monthly check-ins and assessments empowered her to reflect on her journey, assess her progress, and see noticeable improvements in her mental well-being. 

Mantra Health Care Helped Veronica Stay in School 

Veronica found that her therapy experience wasn’t just limited to solving immediate problems; rather, it encompassed a holistic evolution of her thought patterns and emotional landscape. “With Mantra specifically, my mental health has improved holistically. I came in with a problem, and then I got tools to solve it. I feel like I was able to get a much more broadened improvement.”

The combination of therapeutic guidance and Mantra Health’s resources allowed Veronica to delve into her progress on a deeper level. With her therapist, Veronica was able to engage in greater reflection and deeper conversations, improving her own self-awareness. 

In addition to seeing changes in her mental health, working with a Mantra therapist also improved Veronica’s academic prospects, helping her recommit to her studies and persist in the classroom. “Around the time I started therapy, I was considering dropping out of school, just because everything was getting a bit much for me, but Mantra helped me stay in school.” 

The availability of prompt and responsive support, even outside traditional office hours, provided her with a safety net during times of stress. “I would even send an email at 9:00 pm and they would respond by 9:30 pm.” Having this level of on-demand support was pivotal for Veronica. 

Veronica Encourages Her Peers to Seek Support

As Veronica’s personal journey with Mantra Health unfolded, so did her desire to share these services – and platform – with her peers. Her positive experience became a springboard for mental health advocacy and she now refers her friends and classmates to Mantra Health.

“I talk to people who are kind of scared to go to therapy or don’t like the stigma that comes with it. With Mantra Health, you can cancel at any time and you can switch providers anytime.” Her hope, though, is that students will keep going and see the benefits that she herself has experienced. 

Veronica’s care journey with Mantra Health is a testament to the transformative potential of technology-driven mental health care. Her experiences highlight the profound benefits of virtual care. In her own words, “I just really like the platform. I really like Mantra Health. It has been very monumental to my own self-improvement.”

*Name changed to protect the student’s identity.