Written by two experienced college mental health professionals, this practical nuts-and-bolts guide for parents of prospective and current college students offers an insider’s view of the realities and complexities of today’s campus life. Recognizing that college students rank their parents as their primary source of support and advice, the authors provide parents with the specific information and recommendations they need to offer the best assistance possible. In this book, parents will learn about the most significant factors to be considered in making a wise decision about college selection, about the process of making a successful transition to college, about the potential pitfalls inherent in college life, and the warning signs and risk factors for psychological distress. In addition, parents will become acquainted with the protective factors and the resources available on the campus that enhance academic success and persistence to graduation, as well as emotional health and well-being. Throughout, parents will learn to distinguish between those situations in which they should intervene directly and those in which they should offer support from the sidelines. Parents will be able to help their student make their time in college a joyful, productive, and ultimately successful experience.

"As mental-health professionals and counselors on college campuses, Trevouledes and Grieger have seen firsthand the kinds of situations parents obsess over, everything from stressful classes to roommate incompatibility to mental-health crises. Unlike most college guides, which are aimed at helping students make the transition from home to college, this one focuses on parents, helping them deal with issues of privacy and expectations as children make that transition. The authors offer solid advice on campus resources that are likely available, but they emphasize how parents themselves can prepare to be strong resources for their children. They detail the challenges they’ve seen students face, including abuse of drugs and alcohol, sexual harassment, and cyberbullying. They guide parents by listing warning signs for problems that may require intervention, including signs of substance abuse as well as psychological disorders, with as much emphasis on strategies for helping to reduce stress—parents’ and students’—as on those for promoting emotional well-being. Parents and counselors will find this a useful guide and resource." - Booklist

"If you wish to help parents have meaningful conversations with their child about college expectations and also to understand how college 'works', then this book should be on your reference shelf. Authors Trevouledes and Grieger, two mental health experts, can help advisors apply a set of parent’s lenses to view the 'mysteries' of college life, its bureaucracy, and its own educational jargon. One strength of this book is its depth of information on cultivating the student’s emotional wellness. The chapters explain how to be aware of signs of depression, suicidal tendencies, and addiction. Parents learn how to take action and which college services can help, if needed. Another strength is that the book recognizes how communication strategies may differ within other cultures. While its major message about using open communication is constant, 'how' this occurs varies in diverse populations. Minority families often play a strategic role in supporting the success of their child, so reaffirming various communication methods is an important point." - NACADA Journal

"Sensitivity is shown to different cultural perspectives, and familial support for student independence is strongly encouraged. For the clinician, the book provides a useful overview of challenges facing today's college students and helps the clinician gain familiarity with college campus resources." - Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry

"This is an important book for parents with students who are headed to or already in college. Success and Sanity is a comprehensive book, covering...crucial topics for college parents. . . .Parents who want a comprehensive and realistic picture of college life and what to expect for their college student should read Success and Sanity on the College Campus." - College Parent Central