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Westfield State University’s Counseling Center is enhancing its mental health support for students with the introduction of two new services, announced by Kurt Morris, Outreach Counselor at the University. As of Fall 2024, the Counseling Center will transition to using Uwill, a hotline staffed by trained clinicians, replacing the previously employed TELUS Health. 

This new platform will continue to offer students direct access to professional support, including crisis hotline services available after hours and on weekends. Additionally, Uwill provides students with free wellness courses, yoga, meditation, and mindfulness exercises. For students expressing distress, clinicians will provide follow-up support within 48 hours and again after 30 days, helping students acclimate and seek additional help.

“During these follow-ups, the clinicians will listen but then also try to make a plan that details next steps,” Morris added. “If you’re stressing out about finals, what’s something you can do to help you in the meantime? It’s another resource for people to turn to if they want to talk to somebody.”

In a move to further support student mental health, the Counseling Center is also introducing Togetherall, a peer-support organization based in the United Kingdom. Togetherall allows users to remain anonymous, ensuring privacy while seeking help. 

"What’s really interesting about Togetherall is that students can also help other students," Morris explained. "It’s from people all around the world. Students can post something like, ‘Hey, this is really bumming me out,’ and then some other students from anywhere in the world can respond and say, ‘I understand. It sounds like a tough situation, and this is what I’ve done when I’ve felt the same way.’ All of that is being moderated by a licensed clinician and other peer support folks who’re trained.”

Togetherall also offers specialized message boards catering to specific demographics, such as farmers, military veterans, and veterinary students, who often face unique mental health challenges.

Morris emphasized that Togetherall’s strength lies in its anonymity and the reduced stigma compared to seeking formal services, though the traditional services offered by the Counseling Center remain available. Registration for Togetherall is straightforward, requiring only an email address. The platform also offers courses on topics like anger management, quitting smoking, and alcohol abuse, along with message boards dedicated to these issues.

These new resources demonstrate Westfield State University’s commitment to providing comprehensive mental health support, ensuring that all students have access to the help they need, whenever they need it.

As mental health continues to be a pivotal aspect of student life, Westfield State University is setting a standard for comprehensive and accessible support systems, fostering a campus environment where every student feels heard, supported, and empowered to thrive both academically and personally. The administration encourages all students to utilize these resources and reinforces the message that seeking help is a strength and also integral to their success and overall well-being.