College Students &

Transition Age Youth

(Ages 18-26)

The transition to adulthood often brings new challenges: moving away from home, balancing academics, relationships, and responsibilities—all while managing mental health.

Dr. Colby specializes in supporting college students and young adults who are experiencing:

Anxiety, panic attacks, or intrusive thoughts
Adjustment difficulties and life transitions
Academic and performance stress
Perfectionism or burnout
Co-occurring ADHD or ASD traits impacting college life

Therapy focuses on helping clients find stability, confidence, and self-understanding as they build a foundation for adulthood.

OCD & Transitional Age Youth

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) often first appears in late adolescence or early adulthood, with the average age of onset around 20. For many young adults, symptoms may emerge or become more noticeable during the college years, when academic pressures, independence, and life transitions increase stress. Early, evidence-based treatment can help manage intrusive thoughts and compulsive behaviors before they become more entrenched, giving students the tools to thrive academically, socially, and personally.

A Critical Developmental Window

Because the brain continues developing until around age 25, the college years are one of the final opportunities to shape emotional habits, resilience, and coping skills in a way that supports long-term mental health before the brains neuroplasticity begins to decline.

Evolving Support Systems

Moving away from home, starting college or work, navigating relationships, and making important decisions can feel exciting but also overwhelming. Therapy provides a supportive space to build skills, gain perspective, and develop strategies to manage these changes successfully, helping young adults step into adulthood with confidence and resilience.

Common Goals for Transitional Age Youth

Identifying values and setting goals collaboratively creates opportunities for young adults to take ownership of their autonomy and work towards a future they are excited about.

Increased confidence and emotional resilience
Improved daily systems and follow-through
Healthy boundaries and communication skills
Reduced anxiety and avoidance behaviors
A stronger sense of identity and direction

114 Waltham St. Suite 25, Lexington, MA 02421

Colby & Co. Psychological Services, PLLC. Est. November, 2024

Website established November, 2025

Page updated

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