Each academic year, about a quarter of Clark University’s undergraduate student population — around 550 students — take advantage of mental health support offered by the Center for Counseling and Personal Growth (CPG). To ensure that all students can access the services they need, when they need them, CPG has announced a partnership with Uwill, a leading mental health and wellness platform, to expand the University’s existing counseling capabilities. The service will be available to both undergraduate and graduate students.
“A supportive and inclusive campus environment not only nurtures academic achievement but also empowers students to navigate life’s challenges with resilience and self-care,” says Marcia Galvinhill, director of CPG. “Adding Uwill empowers our students to prioritize their well-being, ensuring they have the tools and support they need to thrive.”
Uwill provides immediate therapy services, Galvinhill explains. “This will help make sure all students can be seen with shorter wait times, particularly in times of higher need. If someone is struggling and needs service quickly, Uwill provides the opportunity for them to receive immediate access to an initial appointment.” A student who logs in to the Uwill platform will be connected with a therapist right away, and can choose to communicate via video, telephone, or text.
“Uwill lets us expand students’ choice of therapists,” Galvinhill says. Currently, there are eight full-time therapists at CPG, each of whom sees up to 24 students per week during business hours. Uwill’s services are available 24 hours a day, every day, for the entire calendar year, not just when classes are in session.
Uwill also offers therapists who speak different languages.
Clark University adds this option to support students during a time of increased mental health difficulties around the country. Recent data from the American College Health Association shows 79% of students surveyed reported experiencing moderate or high stress levels within the previous 30 days, and 77% had experienced moderate to serious psychological distress in the preceding year.
Kamaro Abubakar, associate dean for student success (community living), says the partnership with Uwill enhances wellness programs already in place. Students will have unlimited access to Uwill’s extensive online library of wellness resources, including yoga, meditation, and mindfulness activities.
“The Office of Wellness Education [part of the Division of Student Success] works with CPG and Health Services to support the health and well-being of all Clark students,” Abubakar says, “and Uwill is going to help us expand that support.”
Galvinhill says she hopes that as more students use Uwill, CPG staff will be able to increase their campus outreach to help students prioritize their mental health.
