LSSU initiative aims to increase student access to mental health services
SAULT STE. MARIE — Lake Superior State University is launching a new initiative to support students with greater access to mental health resources.
Uwill is a platform that allows students connected to the university to receive easy access to teletherapy and crisis support, connecting them to licensed therapists based on their individual needs. This new program is in addition to existing counseling services meant to identify and help students going through mental health crises.
LSSU officials support this initiative because mental health challenges among young adults and college students are on the rise, according to recent survey data. According to LSSU, around 90 percent of adults believe the country is facing a mental health crisis that needs to be addressed.
Nearly half of college students surveyed believe they need help with mental health difficulties in the past year and a majority never received any access to counseling or therapy.
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Increased access to mental health support is also part of LSSU's five-year strategic plan. The plan focuses on improving first-year student retention by expanding support for students who are first-generation, Pell Grant-eligible, and from other underrepresented student demographics.
“Providing access to free, clinical mental health counseling and support has long been part of our commitment to student success, and this strategic investment in teletherapy will enable us to provide students high-quality care, treatment and support that meets their needs,” said Anya Alexander, Associate Dean of Student Affairs. “This is about supporting our student community and breaking down barriers to mental health resources and care that will enable our students to achieve their full personal and academic potential.”
The Uwill student and therapist matching platform has been introduced at several other schools across the country.
— Contact Brendan Wiesner: BWiesner@Sooeveningnews.com
This article originally appeared on The Sault News: LSSU initiative aims to increase student access to mental health services
