New Jersey announces extension of partnership providing free, 24/7 virtual mental health services to college students statewide
New Jersey Secretary of Higher Education, Brian Bridges, announced an extension of the state’s partnership with mental health platform Uwill. The collaboration, initiated in May 2023, has provided over 7,600 students from 44 participating colleges with free 24/7 teletherapy, crisis connection, and wellness programs.
The announcement was made during the New Jersey Higher Education Mental Health Summit, where data revealed positive impacts, such as increased accessibility and effectiveness of mental health services. The extension, funded by $10 million from the American Rescue Plan, ensures students can access Uwill services until at least spring 2025. The partnership aligns with Governor Murphy’s broader strategy to enhance youth mental health, including grants to strengthen institution-based services.
“With the challenges these past few years have presented, young people around New Jersey and the nation are facing a mental health crisis like never before. It is incumbent upon us to do everything in our power to provide young people with access to the support they need, which is something my Administration will continue to prioritize-Making teletherapy services available to countless college students on campuses throughout our state is a key component of our ongoing efforts to address the mental health needs of our young people and promote safe and inclusive learning environments in New Jersey,” said Governor Murphy.
“Today’s announcement demonstrates our continued commitment to providing life-line mental health supports to thousands of college students in New Jersey in complement to the counseling and wellness services available at institutions across the state,” said Secretary Bridges. “Less than a year into this partnership, data-driven insights and testimonials show a meaningful impact. Students are finding virtual sessions with licensed practitioners to be very beneficial, with many seeking help for the very first time, and frontline campus counselors tell us these virtual services are helping them reach more students. We hope students continue to feel encouraged and motivated to seek the support they need for success.”
“Student mental health is an issue that all New Jersey institutions of higher learning are working collaboratively to address as exemplified by the inaugural Summit held today,” said Dr. Anthony Iacono, Chair of the New Jersey Presidents’ Council and County College of Morris President. “The availability of evidence-based services, as well as preventive programs, strengthens our campus cultures and ensures students have the necessary tools to stay on track toward their degree. To that end, we are encouraged that the state’s partnership with Uwill will continue because it’s creating room for long sought extensions of and innovations to our campus-based offerings.”
“Uwill equalizes access to mental health services by empowering students to get help tailored to their needs and preferences from the comfort of their dorm or home,” said Michael London, Uwill Founder and CEO. “We are grateful to continue this statewide partnership in New Jersey to help institutions maximize the reach of impact of mental health support for students at all stages along their wellbeing journey. Even right now, during winter break, when students are particularly vulnerable to stressors, they can rely on Uwill support.”
