Through a collaboration with teletherapy
pioneer Uwill, Lake Superior State
University expands mental health support, making teletherapy
and crisis options available to all students 24/7/365
SAULT
STE. MARIE, Mich., March 28,
2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Lake
Superior State University (LSSU), a rural, public college
located in Michigan's upper
peninsula, announced the launch of a new university-wide initiative
designed to provide increased teletherapy and crisis support.
In collaboration with mental health and wellness solution Uwill,
the university will increase its existing counseling capabilities
with the addition of teletherapy that matches students with a
licensed therapist based on student needs and preferences. The
partnership also provides students with crisis support in the event
of a mental health crisis.
"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 and Executive
Director of Campus Life and Engagement at Lake
Superior State University. "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 announcement of the new digital mental health and wellness
initiative comes at a time when acute mental health challenges
among college students and young adults are on the rise. Recent
survey data shows that 90% of adults believe the country is facing
a mental health crisis. While 42% of college students have
expressed the need for help with mental health difficulties in the
last year, more than 60% have never received counseling or
therapy.
In response, a growing number of colleges and universities are
prioritizing investments in teletherapy and other support solutions
that augment the capacity of their existing on-campus counseling
centers.
The new mental health initiative is aligned with the
university's focus on removing barriers to student persistence and
completion, following the approval of a five-year strategic plan by
the board of trustees. 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.
"There's now a greater appreciation than ever before in higher
education that student success and mental health and well-being are
of paramount importance," said Michael
London, founder and CEO of Uwill. "This is about ensuring
that students have access to support that meets their mental health
and wellness needs."
Utilizing its proprietary technology and counselor team, Uwill
pioneered the first student and therapist matching platform. The
solution offers an immediate appointment with a licensed counselor
based on student preferences, all modalities of teletherapy, a
direct crisis connection, wellness events, real-time data, and
support.
About Lake State University: The rich history of
LSSU dates to 1946, when the university was founded in Sault Ste. Marie, the oldest city in
Michigan (1668). On the site of
the former U.S. Army's Fort Brady, LSSU has grown to offer 1
graduate program, 35 bachelor's degree programs, 21 associate
degree programs, and 10 certificate programs. Situated amidst the
stunning backdrop of three Great Lakes, LSSU offers an exceptional
environment for research, innovation, and real-world experiences.
As one of Michigan's most
affordable public universities, LSSU ensures accessibility to
education, with 90 percent of full-time students receiving
financial aid. LSSU actively participates in collegiate sports,
competing in 11 NCAA Division II sports and Division I for men's
hockey. The university has an undergraduate student body of
approximately 1,600, with 82 percent hailing from Michigan, representing every county in the
state. Notably, LSSU adopts a one-rate tuition system, regardless
of the student's state or country of origin.
About Uwill: Uwill is the leading mental health and
wellness solution for colleges and students. The most
cost-effective way to expand and enhance a college's mental health
offerings, Uwill partners with 300+ institutions including
Baylor University, the University of Michigan, Columbus State Community College, and the
University of Maryland, College Park.
Uwill is also the teletherapy education partner for NASPA and the
Online Learning Consortium. For more information, visit
uwill.com.
Contact:
Brett Silk
bsilk@uwill.com
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SOURCE Uwill, Inc