The basics:

• State-funded Uwill program served 18,223 students since 2023
• Over 78,000 free counseling sessions delivered at 45 colleges
• 30% of sessions occurred outside traditional business hours
• Students saved $2.2M in therapy costs; 1,200+ crisis connections

Newly released data shows the impact and trends of a state-funded teletherapy program that provides free services for higher education students in New Jersey.

As NJBIZ has reported, the state partnered Uwill – a leading mental health and wellness solution for colleges and students. The initiative provides access to the services for students at 45 participating public institutions.

Through the Uwill platform, students can connect with a licensed counselor in less than 24 hours. User are able to choose a provider that best fits their needs, with 24/7, year-round access to a network of practitioners.

Since the program launched in 2023, Uwill has delivered over 78,000 counseling sessions to 18,223 college students at those 45 institutions. The initiative is slated to run until April 2026.

“More students than ever before are balancing work, family, and academic responsibilities – including raising children and working full- or part-time jobs,” said Gov. Phil Murphy. “New Jersey is committed to empowering more students to pursue higher education and ensuring they have access to the support systems necessary to thrive.”

Essential services

Brian Bridges, secretary of higher education, said New Jersey is rethinking student mental health – not as an add-on, but as a cornerstone of student success and the statewide college completion strategy.

“Meeting students’ mental health needs is essential to keeping them on track as they navigate family, personal, work, and financial responsibilities alongside academic commitments,” said Bridges. “Our state’s investment in student mental health is ultimately about advancing completion and expanding economic opportunity.”

Uwill founder and CEO Michael London said, “New Jersey’s commitment to mental health access is setting a new standard for how states can support their college students.”

Key findings from the latest data include:

• 30% of sessions took place outside of traditional business hours, including 19.2% on weeknights and 9.6% on weekends
• Sessions’ top focus areas include self-esteem, loneliness, trauma, academic concerns and body image
• In 2024, more than 12,000 sessions occurred during summer break or winter intersession; more than 1,000 took place outside of New Jersey
• New Jersey students saved a collective $2.2 million in out-of-pocket costs through the program
• A majority of students selected counselors who identify as Black, Indigenous or People of Color (BIPOC); a significant share sought care in a language other than English
• Over 1,200 crisis connections – with a few active rescues in which students were hospitalized for more intensive care

“This data makes clear that students need mental health support that is accessible, inclusive, and responsive to the realities of their lives – whether they’re on campus or not,” said London.

Murphy stressed, “This data demonstrates the powerful impact of our state’s investment in mental health and underscores our belief that higher education and upward mobility go hand in hand.”

First-hand experience

“I appreciate that our university has been able to provide mental health services that extend beyond our normal workday,” said one New Jersey college administrator. “For students who find accessing services during the business day to be more difficult, I appreciate that they have this option. I also appreciate knowing that when counselors’ schedules become more busy, we can offer students another option to avoid waiting too long for an appointment.”

One student who utilized the services said, “I am so happy that I am finally receiving therapy — it was long overdue. My insurance does not cover virtual therapy, and I need virtual therapy as someone who is going back to college to finish my bachelor’s and working a part-time job.”

Another student said, “I’m grateful to have a resource where I can schedule a same day session. My therapist was extremely helpful. They are very capable and skilled professionals!”