Lake Superior State University is introducing a new initiative to improve the mental health resources available to students. The platform, called Uwill, will offer students connected to the university easy access to teletherapy and crisis support, connecting them with licensed therapists tailored to their individual needs. This new program complements existing counseling services at the university, which aim to identify and assist students facing mental health crises.
University officials at LSSU are supporting this initiative in response to the growing prevalence of mental health challenges among young adults and college students. Nearly half of college students surveyed have expressed a need for help with mental health issues in the past year, yet many never received access to counseling or therapy. Mental health support is critical for student well-being, as indicated by recent survey data showing that around 90 percent of adults believe there is a mental health crisis in the country that needs addressing.
LSSU has included increased access to mental health support as part of its five-year strategic plan, focusing on improving first-year student retention and expanding support for students from underrepresented demographics. Associate Dean of Student Affairs Anya Alexander emphasized the importance of providing clinical mental health counseling and support to students as a crucial part of their commitment to student success. By investing in teletherapy, the university aims to deliver high-quality care, treatment, and support that caters to the unique needs of individual students, enabling them to achieve their full personal and academic potential.
The Uwill student and therapist matching platform has been implemented at various other schools across the nation, demonstrating a growing awareness of the importance of mental health resources in a university setting. With this new initiative, LSSU is taking proactive steps towards ensuring that its students have access to the support they need for optimal well-being.
