International Student Mental Health Challenges in the U.S.

Written By Dr. Gurjot Reena Marwah, MD

International students in Phoenix and across the U.S. often experience stress that goes beyond academics.

Along with coursework, many students are:

  • Adjusting to a new culture and communication style

  • Building new social connections

  • Managing homesickness or isolation

  • Learning unfamiliar academic systems

  • Coping with anxiety, stress, or sleep difficulties

There are also real-life pressures outside the classroom:

  • Financial strain or family expectations

  • Managing tuition and living expenses

  • Visa-related work limitations

  • Difficulty finding part-time employment

Graduate students often feel additional pressure related to research expectations, internships, and strict academic timelines. Even small delays can feel overwhelming.

Many students ask themselves:
“Many students describe feeling like every area of life requires adjustment at the same time.”

These experiences are very common and reflect adjustment stress—not personal weakness.

Therapist and Psychiatrist in Phoenix, AZ: What to Expect

If you are looking for a therapist and psychiatrist in Phoenix for ASU students or international students, it helps to know that care is usually more conversational and supportive than most people expect.

First Appointment (Evaluation)

The first visit is a conversation to understand your experience. You may discuss:

  • Stress, anxiety, mood, and emotional changes

  • Sleep, focus, and energy

  • Academic and daily functioning

  • Cultural and family background

  • Current life stressors

There is nothing you need to prepare. You do not need to “explain things perfectly.” The goal is simply to understand what you are going through.

Integrated Care: Therapy + Psychiatric Support

“For some students, it can be helpful to receive both therapy and psychiatric support from the same provider.”

Emotional support and medical treatment are not separated—they are considered together based on your needs.

Support may include:

  • Therapy for stress, anxiety, or adjustment difficulties

  • Practical coping strategies for daily life

  • Support for academic burnout and overwhelm

  • Medication management when appropriate (for ADHD, anxiety, or depression)

Medication is always optional. Many international students have understandable questions or concerns about it, and these are discussed openly without pressure.

This combined approach can be especially helpful for students balancing academics, cultural adjustment, and emotional stress at the same time.

Common Concerns from ASU & International Students

Will I be judged?
No. Care is designed to be supportive, confidential, and nonjudgmental. 

Do I need a diagnosis before coming?
No. Many students come in simply because they feel overwhelmed or stuck.

How long does treatment take?
It depends on your needs. Some students benefit from short-term support, while others prefer longer-term care.

What about cost and insurance?
Many student insurance plans in the U.S. include mental health coverage.

What if my family does not support therapy or medication?
This is very common among international students. Care is confidential, and these concerns can be discussed safely.

Psychiatrist Perspective: Supporting ASU & Phoenix International Students

As a psychiatrist with over 27 years of experience working with college and graduate students, I often see how international students in Phoenix carry multiple layers of stress at once.

Alongside academic demands, students are adjusting to a new country, building independence, managing finances, and thinking about their future careers. For students at institutions like Arizona State University, this transition can feel especially intense.

Graduate students may also feel pressure to stay on a strict academic timeline, which adds additional stress when combined with cultural and financial adjustment.

My approach focuses on understanding the full context of each student’s experience. Care is structured, practical, and individualized.

As a psychiatrist and therapist in Phoenix, Arizona, I provide both therapy and medication management for conditions such as:

  • ADHD

  • Anxiety

  • Depression

  • Academic stress and burnout

My goal is to create a space where students feel understood, supported, and able to move forward with clarity.

What to Do Next

If this feels familiar, it may be helpful to take the next step—even if you are unsure.

You do not need to have everything figured out before reaching out. Many students begin by simply exploring what support might look like.

You can start by:

  • Checking your student health insurance coverage

  • Scheduling an initial consultation

  • Reaching out to learn more about support options

To connect:

  • View my profile on MiResource

The most important step is finding someone you feel comfortable with—someone who understands your experience as an international student in the U.S.

Dr. Gurjot Reena Marwah, MD

Dr. Gurjot Reena Marwah, MD, is a board-certified psychiatrist and therapist in Phoenix, Arizona with over 27 years of experience working with college and graduate students, including international students in the U.S.

She provides integrated therapy and medication management through her private practice, with virtual and in-person appointments available.

She works extensively with students in the Phoenix area, including those at Arizona State University. She is the past president of the Arizona Psychiatric Society and is committed to culturally informed, compassionate mental health care.

You can find her full profile and availability on MiResource.

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