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During a Tuesday event at Montclair State University, officials announced the extension of an initiative to provide New Jersey college students with free, 24/7/365 access to teletherapy, crisis connection and wellness programming through April 2026.

Last year, the state launched a first-in-the-nation partnership with mental health and wellness platform Uwill, which serves students at 45 eligible Garden State higher education institutions.

Since the launch, more than 10,000 students have registered on Uwill’s digital platform. Additionally, students have scheduled nearly 32,000 sessions with the diverse network of licensed and qualified mental health providers.

The Office of Secretary of Higher Education has collected notable data points through student and staff feedback surveys, along with utilization data:

• 61% of registered students indicated they have not previously made an appointment with a therapist or mental health counselor at their institution
• 79% of institution staff agreed the partnership has enabled them to provide or enhance mental health support to students after hours, when they would otherwise be unavailable
• 33% of appointments booked through the platform came during off-peak hours
• 59% of institution staff agreed this increased access to mental health services is likely to further retention and graduation rates

The announcement was made during Mental Health Awareness Month.

Meeting students’ needs

“Today’s announcement that we have secured additional funding for New Jersey’s first-in-the-nation partnership with Uwill continues to demonstrate the governor’s commitment and leadership on youth mental health,” said Lt. Gov. Tahesha Way, who also serves as secretary of state. “With this program, we are ensuring college students who are struggling will have access to mental health support services 24/7/365 days a year.”

“We affirm that mental health is a key determinant of any student’s success and that safe, empowered access to care can make all the difference in seeking out support,” said Secretary of Higher Education Brian Bridges.

He said the statewide efforts under the Murphy administration have worked to complement the best of what in-state institutions already offer through in-person counseling and wellness centers. These opportunities expand their reach and help to meet students where they are – and at whatever stage in their mental health journey.

“The announcement today advances our steadfast commitment to cultivating stronger well-being on campus and better life and educational outcomes for all students pursuing a degree or credential in the Garden State,” said Bridges.

Critical support

Uwill founder and CEO Michael London expressed his gratitude for the state’s partnership and commitment to campus mental health.

“These advocacy efforts will help change the lives of students and families across the state and unlock opportunity and a better future for the students we serve today,” said London. “Investments in student mental health and well-being truly are investments in student health, success, and college completion. Ensuring the continuity of digital mental health and wellness support is critical, particularly as students navigate the end of the academic year and head into summer break – when they may not have access to on-campus support services.”

“While we can’t change the world around us, we can foster a culture that empowers our students and employees to overcome obstacles, and provide them with the resources to thrive,” said Jonathan Koppell, president, Montclair State University. “We are grateful for the state’s commitment to investing in services like Uwill, and are relieved that today’s announcement means thousands more students across the state will have the opportunity to get the support that they need.”

More information on the program and other mental health resources for students is available here.