Book cover titled "The College Student's Guide to Mental Health" by Mia Nosanow. The cover features a blue, green, and white watercolor background with the subtitle 'Essential Wellness Strategies for Flourishing in College' and mentions key topics like tools for common challenges, insights on mental health, stories, and resources.
Minnesota Book Awards finalist badge with a silver star design

For every college student who wants to learn accessible and practical mental health skills ... all in one book.

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How this book can help.

  • 1. Normalizes mental health struggles in college

    It helps students understand that stress, self-doubt, anxiety, and overwhelm are common, not personal failures.

  • 2. Builds mental health literacy

    Students learn to recognize thoughts, emotions, and behaviors that affect well-being, often for the first time.

  • 3. Connects mental health to daily college life

    It links wellness to sleep, time management, relationships, academics, technology use, and identity development.

  • 4. Offers practical, usable strategies

    The guidance is concrete and realistic, focused on what students can actually do between classes and deadlines.

  • 5. Reduces shame and self-blame

    By explaining how stress, comparison, perfectionism, and systems impact mental health, students feel less “broken.”

  • 6. Encourages help-seeking behavior

    It lowers barriers to reaching out by explaining when and how to use campus and professional support resources.

  • 7. Supports autonomy and self-efficacy

    Students are empowered to make informed choices about their mental health rather than relying on crisis response alone.

  • 8. Addresses common but under-discussed issues

    Topics like impostor syndrome, negative comparison, focus struggles, and emotional regulation are named and explored.

  • 9. Promotes balance instead of perfection

    The book emphasizes flexibility, self-compassion, and sustainable habits rather than rigid self-improvement ideals.

  • 10. Provides a steady, nonjudgmental voice

    For students, and their families, this book functions as a calm, trustworthy guide during a period of rapid change and uncertainty.

Praise for the book.

  • “This book could not come at a better time for the many American college students who struggle with mental health issues. Mia’s decades of experience, graceful prose and easy to follow format makes this the perfect companion for any student heading off to or already in college.”

    —Dan Buettner, National Geographic Fellow and #1 New York Times bestselling author and founder of Blue Zones

  • “If you want clear and effective tools to stay balanced and focused, and even to thrive, during college, then include The Other Side of College on your reading list. It is highly recommended!”

    —Henry Emmons, MD, author of The Chemistry of Joy and The Chemistry of Calm

  • “Mia Nosanow knows college students and knows how to help them thrive in college. This book will be a huge asset for students trying to live their best lives while in college. I can’t wait to read the whole thing!”

    —Holly Rogers, MD, Co-founder, The Mindfulness Institute for Emerging Adults, author of The Mindful Twentysomething, formerly, Staff Psychiatrist at Duke University’s Counseling and Psychological Services

  • “Having worked with Mia for over 10 years, I know she is the real deal. Generations of students were supported by her compassion, intuition, and experience, and I'm sure this book will benefit many more.”

    —Jim Hoppe, PhD, Vice President and Dean for Student Life, Emerson College, MA

  • “Young adults often assume that everyone else has these things figured out and feel flawed or deficient when they struggle. This book is just the resource that many students have been seeking! Mia Nosanow has decades of experience developing trusting relationships with students and helping them navigate the challenges of being human. Her insights and guidance will provide readers valuable opportunities to build skills and increase confidence.”

    —Robin Hart Ruthenbeck, EdD, Dean of Student Development, Kenyon College

  • “The College Student’s Guide to Mental Health is a timely and important guidebook that speaks to the diversity of identities, experiences, and coping strategies of college students today. This book will be a powerful resource for any student navigating the complexities of college life. And it is definitely a “must-read” for staff and faculty on college campuses.”

    —Karla Benson Rutten, Founder and CEO, Benson Rutten Innovations LLC, and Executive Director, Jeremiah Program St. Paul, MN

  • “Thoughtful, comprehensive, and accessible, The College Student's Guide to Mental Health is a must read for college students seeking to thrive during their college years and beyond, and for families wanting to be good guides for their student’s wellbeing and emerging adulthood. Nosanow provides a roadmap for the often missed hidden curriculum of the college experience—teaching students how to take care of themselves. I’d recommend it to all students and families at my university!”

    —Lisa Landreman, PhD, Vice President of Student Affairs, Willamette University

  • “The College Student's Guide to Mental Health is the book that students going to college and in college need to read! The focus on staying mentally healthy in college will also help students after college. The skills and tools gained by applying what the author says will surely provide a pathway for students to engage in their college journeys with joy.”

    —DeMethra LaSha “Sha” Bradley, EdD, Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students, Scripps College

  • “The College Student’s Guide to Mental Health is an incredibly helpful and thoughtful resource for those wishing to better understand mental health during a time of constant transition. This is a must-read for not only students, parents, and families, but also those who work at colleges and universities. There are many right answers for solving the same challenge. This book is the permission everyone needs to begin that discernment process and focus on personal well-being.”

    —Carolyn H. Livingston, Ph.D. , Vice President for Student Life, Dean of Students, Carleton College

  • “More than ever, young adults are struggling with their mental health. This book provides helpful information and easy-to-use tools. It stresses the importance of things they can control — sleep, nutrition, movement — along with techniques to deal with stress and anxiety. I would recommend that parents buy this book and slip into their student’s room as they go through college.”

    —Sue Abderholden, MPH, Executive Director, NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) Minnesota

  • “The College Student’s Guide to Mental Health is an incredible resource for our students. The fact that it is written by a licensed psychologist who has direct experience working with college students makes it practical and relatable. During these times where mental health issues are on the rise for our students, this resource comes to us when we need it most.”

    —Laurie Scolari, Ed.D., Vice President of Student Services, Foothill College

  • “Students and the parents who love them will find useful, even life-saving advice in this valuable guide to staying mentally and physically healthy during college. Readers are in expert hands with Nosanow….”

    —Booklist, Karen Springen

    pdf of Booklist article

  • "A must have for any student embarking on their college experience. . . . a good resource for high school guidance counselors and parents.”

    —Children’s Literature

    pdf of Children’s Literature review

  • “Highly recommended.” - Reviewer’s Choice

    —Midwest Book Review

    pdf of Midwest Book Review

Media.

  • Good Morning America

    Mia was interviewed about the practical approaches to college mental health for students and their families.

    Good Morning America interview

  • Blue Zones

    “8 Things You Can Do Right Now to Downshift and De-stress” - chapter 5 was excerpted by Blue Zones to support the principle of taking down time.

    Blue Zones article

  • MPR News with Angela Davis

    MPR News host Angela Davis had a dynamic discussion with Mia and Cecilia Bloomquist about the rise in mental illness on campus and how college students can build skills for better mental health.

    MPR website with link to the show

  • Twin Cities Public Television's Almanac

    A lively chat with Almanac hosts Cathy Wurzer and Eric Eskola about the mental health issues facing college students and how parents and grandparents can be helpful.

    Link to show segment

  • The Signal, "Author Deep Dive" - February 19, 2025

    Brandi Turner, Public Health major at the The College of New Jersey, wrote an engaging article for her student-produced weekly news organization.

    Link to the article

  • The Chronicle of Higher Education, Letter to the Editor - November, 25, 2024

    In response to Len Gutkin’s November 11th newsletter, “Therapeutic infantilization, election edition,” I believe that colleges need to meet their students where they are to help them attain the mental health and wellness skills they are currently lacking.

    Letters/The Help Our Students Need pdf

  • Minnesota Star Tribune article by Laura Yuen - August 27, 2024

    "Mia Nosanow’s new book offers mental health tips and strategies for today’s college students and the families who love them."

    Minnesota Star Tribune article pdf

  • MinnPost

    “[Nosanow] saw an audience of young people who might not be interested in dense prose focused on psychological theories but could use a book that offered clear tips, advice and strategies for bolstering their own mental health.” (Andy Steiner, January 2024)

    MinnPost article

  • Park Bugle

    “As a therapist to thousands of students for individual and group counseling, Nosanow noticed that roughly half of the issues students were bringing to her fell into the category of mental health and wellness...” (John Horchner, April 2024)

    Park Bugle article

  • Student Affairs NOW

    This podcast covers the common mental health challenges that students face and how institutions and individuals can utilize Mia’s book to create actionable, practical strategies to help.

    Student Affairs NOW podcast

  • Bomb Mom

    Melissa Vogel and I had a delightful and wide ranging discussion about parenting college students, helping to promote their mental health and being a role model to them. Please subscribe, rate, and review this podcast within Apple Podcasts, it really helps get the word out!

    Bomb Mom Podcast

  • Who the Folk?!

    On this podcast affiliated with TC Jewfolk, we talk about what led to writing this book, how long it took, and some of the challenges facing college students and adolescents. Also Mia’s favorite Jewish holiday…

    Who The folk?! podcast

  • Inner Voice - Heartfelt Chat with Dr. Foojan

    Psychotherapist and professor Foojan Zeine and I had an in-depth conversation about all things college students and mental health.

    Inner Voice podcast

  • SAPBLA 2nd Thursday Forum

    An engaging discussion about student mental health held at the Saint Anthony Park Library, moderated by Dr. Melissa Lundquist.

    link to SAPBLA interview

Psychology Today blog.

  • A young woman with curly hair smiling, wearing glasses, hoop earrings, and layered necklaces, in a bright indoor setting.

    2026 New Year’s Resolution—Kindness to Self and Others

    Simplifying New Year’s resolutions by focusing on everyday kindness—to self and others—can boost mood, reduce overwhelm, and help create a more compassionate, connected world.

    Click Here
  • A man with dark, curly hair and a beard wearing clear glasses and a dark green sweater, sitting indoors with a neutral background and a plant in the distance.

    18 Mental-Health Discussion Starters for Kids Home From College

    Showing genuine care for students’ mental health—and asking open, respectful questions at the right time—builds trust and connection.

    Click Here
  • Large black bird flying over the countryside.

    Compare-and-Despair is Especially Brutal Around Midterms

    Negative comparisons are part of being human, but with awareness and self-compassion, students can quiet self-criticism, gain perspective, and nurture emotional resilience.

    click here
  • A man with dark curly hair, glasses, and a beard, sitting indoors with a neutral expression, wearing a dark green sweater, and a plain white shirt underneath. A plant is visible in the background.

    The Crucial Role of Time Management in College Mental Health

    Effective time management profoundly impacts college students’ well-being—beyond its benefit to productivity.

    click here

  • How Parents Can Help College Kids Manage Their Mental Health

    As students begin college, the responsibility for both their education and their mental health care shifts to them.

    Click Here

  • Beginning-of-Semester Anxiety is Real

    It is commonplace for the beginning of each semester to feel challenging for college students, and not just the one in three who live with an anxiety disorder.

    Click Here

  • Fight the Epidemic of Loneliness One Relationship At a Time

    College students often assume they will quickly find “their people” the minute they get to college, but for many, making new friends is not always that easy.

    Click Here

  • College Mental Health: Support for Everyday Wellness

    Students will thrive in college when they can balance academics with learning wellness skills and focus on making healthy choices every day.

    Click Here

  • Support Student Success with a Best-Fit College Timeline

    We can all  flip the script to celebrate our students’ success in navigating college with a mental illness, even when they aren’t taking classes at the traditional rate.

    Click Here

  • 6 Ways to Create a “Circle of Support” in College

    Students’ mental health and general sense of comfort will improve when they build a variety of connections on campus.

    Click Here

  • Starting College Won’t Magically Cure an Existing Illness

    The summer before starting college is a wonderful time to be realistic about mental health needs and treatments and prepare accordingly.

    Click Here

  • 5 Gifts of Being a College Mental Health Counselor

    When we focus on the gifts inherent in our work, we can combat the overwhelm of being a college mental health counselor.

    Click Here

  • Sleep Is Essential, and a Huge Struggle in College

    College culture supports being sleep-deprived and disregards the importance of a refreshing night’s sleep. This has created a sleep crisis of almost epidemic proportions.

    Click Here

  • Journaling in College: A Low-Tech Mental-Health Enhancer

    The process of writing helps transform wisps of thought into solid forms that can help us better understand ourselves, which is essential for mental health.

    Click Here

  • How to Help a Friend: 6 Steps for College Students

    College students often feel ill-equipped to help friends who may be dealing with emotional pain or mental health issues. These strategies can help them reach out.

    Click Here

  • Procrastination: The Biggest Thief of Joy in College?

    You are not alone if procrastination steals your time in college. Discover six strategies to transform your relationship with this painful human condition.

    Click Here

  • How to Improve Sleep in College: Discover the Buffer Zone

    Set the stage for a restful sleep in as little as 20 intentional minutes per night.

    Click Here

  • College Mental Health: 8 Essential Mindsets

    Can something as simple as telling our college students that their mental health is important to us be a game changer? Yes. How we talk about mental health in college is critical.

    Click Here

Events.

  • Flyer promoting a college mental health event titled 'Mastering College Well for Mom,' featuring a laptop, notebook, pencil, and QR code on a wooden desk, with details of date, time, location, and guest speaker.

    Mastering College Well for Moms - Chanhassen, MN - November 2025

    Leading a conversation on college mental health for parents of college-bound children or current college students. Created by Student Well Coaching and Mastermoms Collective.

  • Announcement for the Friends Minnesota Book Awards, announcing finalists for 2025 with a background of illustrated bookshelves and the event logo at the top.

    2025 Minnesota Book Awards Ceremony - April 22, 2025

    Past event

  • Graphics of interconnected gears above a logo for the Minnesota Psychological Association, which features a stylized outline of Minnesota with the acronym MPPA inside.

    Minnesota Psychological Association 89th Annual Conference - April 24-25, 2025

    I presented a session on “Wellness Counseling with College Students.”

    Past event

  • Event flyer for a conference titled 'Navigating College with a Mental Illness' scheduled for Saturday, November 9th, from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm at St. Paul Rivercentre. The flyer includes the logo of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Minnesota, a QR code, and mentions CEUs and scholarships are available.

    NAMI Minnesota 2024 State Conference - November 2024

    past event

  • storefront of a business with large glass windows, black and yellow exterior, and signs that read 'Dunwoody The Lynes' and other smaller signs, with a sidewalk and parked cars outside

    MEET THE AUTHOR - Read Between the Lynes, Woodstock, IL, June 2024

    past event

  • Barnes & Noble logo with green and orange text

    AUTHOR TALK - Barnes & Noble, Roseville, MN, May 2024

    past event

  • Brick building with large arched windows and a sign reading 'St. Anthony Park Branch Library' in a park setting.

    AUTHOR TALK - Saint Anthony Park Library, St. Paul, MN, May 2024

    Past event

    Watch the Video of the discussion between Mia and Prof. Melissa Lundquist.

  • Poster for the Netflix series 'Live to 100: Secrets of the Blue Zones.' Features a man with gray hair in a gray shirt standing with his back to the viewer, looking at three different scenic background images representing Blue Zones, including a hillside town, a city skyline, and a shoreline, with the release date August 30.

    Instagram Live with Dan Buettner - March 2024

    past event

  • Black and white logo for City College of San Francisco with bold text.

    City College of San Francisco - March 2024

    past event

  • Book cover titled 'The College Student's Guide to Mental Health: Essential Wellness Strategies for Flourishing in College' by Mia Nosanow, with a light blue and green watercolor background.

    Annual Conference on the First-Year Experience - Seattle, Washington - February 2024

    past event

  • A classroom presentation titled 'The College Student's Guide to Mental Health' with a man and woman seated at the front, and several audience members seated in chairs, some with legs crossed or resting on chairs.

    Author Talk - Mitchell Park Library, Palo Alto, CA - February 2024

    past event

  • A woman standing at a book display booth for 'The College Student's Guide to Mental Health' by Mia Nosanow, M.A., LP. The booth has related pamphlets and a sign with book details.

    NASPA Strategies Annual Conference - San Francisco, CA - January 2024

    past event

Mia Nosanow, MA, LP is a licensed psychologist and mental health therapist who specializes in college students. For 20 years, Mia worked as a mental health counselor at Macalester College in St. Paul, Minnesota, one of the most culturally diverse undergraduate colleges in the United States, with students from every state and 99 countries. She has been a therapist to thousands of students for individual and group counseling. She holds a BA from Carleton College and an MA in Counseling and Student Personnel Psychology from the University of Minnesota. She is the mother of two adult sons, and lives with her husband in St. Paul.

A woman with curly gray hair and glasses, wearing a dark textured top, smiling against a neutral background.