Governor’s Office | ICYMI: Murphy Administration Announces Free, 24/7/365, Secure Digital Mental Health Services for New Jersey Students Through April 2026

(MONTCLAIR, New Jersey) – Today, during Mental Health Awareness Month, Lieutenant Governor Tahesha Way and Secretary of Higher Education Brian K. Bridges, Ph.D., announced that New Jersey students will benefit from a Free 24/7/365 access to teletherapy, crisis connection and wellness programs. through the rest of the Murphy administration. Launched a year ago, the state’s first partnership with mental health and wellness platform, Uwill, currently serves students at 45 eligible New Jersey higher education institutions who have chosen to participate in the partnership .

“There is no doubt that young people have been facing a mental health crisis for some time – the causes of which are multiple and include everything from the rise of social media to increased academic pressures to the impact of the pandemic and many others. , much more. Although we are only at the beginning of our fight to strengthen youth mental health, I am incredibly proud of the seriousness with which our administration has approached this issue. » said Lieutenant Governor Way. “Today’s announcement that we have secured additional funding for New Jersey’s first partnership with Uwill continues to demonstrate the Governor’s commitment and leadership on youth mental health. With this program, we ensure that struggling students will have access to mental health support services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 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 a world of difference in seeking support.” » » said Secretary Bridges. “That’s why our statewide efforts have complemented the best of what our facilities already offer through in-person counseling and wellness centers with opportunities that expand their reach and help to meet students where they are and at any stage of their mental health journey. Today’s announcement reinforces our unwavering commitment to cultivating stronger campus well-being and better life and educational outcomes for all students pursuing a degree or credential in the Garden State.

As of April, more than 10,000 students have registered on Uwill’s digital platform and have scheduled nearly 32,000 sessions with the diverse network of licensed and qualified mental health providers available. Impact data collected by OSHE through surveys of students and staff at the institutions, in addition to usage data, reflects the positive impact and success of the partnership in strengthening the well-being of students at the New Jersey and in meeting previously unmet mental health needs:

• We reach students who have not previously received support: 61% of students registered on the platform indicated that they had never made an appointment with a therapist or mental health counselor at their institution.
• We reach students when on-campus services cannot: 79% of school staff agreed that the partnership allowed them to provide or improve mental health support to students outside of office hours when they would not otherwise be available. Usage data further illustrates this: approximately 33% of appointments booked through the Uwill platform take place during “off-peak” hours, i.e. on weekends and before 9:00 a.m. and after 5:00 p.m. on weekdays.
• We are seeing the first signs of improved results: 59% of facility staff agree that this increased access to mental health services is likely to increase retention and graduation rates (only 3.4% disagree).

Today’s announcement means that currently enrolled students, students registering to begin college in New Jersey this fall, and those planning to enroll in the Class of 2028 will all benefit from this free support until April 2026.

“During these challenging times, it is more important than ever to work together to ensure everyone feels seen and supported. » said Jonathan Koppell, president of Montclair State University. “While we can’t always 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 they need to thrive. 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 obtain the support they need.

“Given the increased need for mental health support, Montclair State University Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) looks forward to partnering with Uwill to increase access and provide an option longer-term care for students.” said Jaclyn Friedman-Lombardo, director of Montclair CAPS. “The telehealth program is particularly helpful in filling service gaps for students who commute, prefer virtual support, and/or need after-hours and weekend services. The partnership has also allowed CAPS staff to focus their efforts on prevention as well as crisis management and more. acute clinical problems.

“We are grateful for the efforts of Governor Murphy, Secretary Bridges and all New Jersey leaders who have solidified this statewide commitment to campus mental health. These advocacy efforts will help change the lives of students and families across the state and unlock opportunities and brighter futures for the students we serve today,” said Michael London, founder and CEO of Uwill. “Investments in student mental health and well-being are truly investments in college health, success and completion. Ensuring continuity of digital support for mental health and wellbeing is essential, particularly as students navigate the end of the academic year and head towards summer break, when They may not have access to support services on campus.

Although the spring semester is coming to an end, students currently enrolled at a New Jersey institution and registered on the Uwill platform will be able to access services throughout the summer.

“It is crucial to recognize the immense challenges our students face today. Data from the New Jersey Secretary of Higher Education’s Office highlights the urgency of providing mental health support to our students, as more than 70 percent reported increased levels of stress and anxiety compared to to the previous year. said Rep. Carter (D-Somerset, Union). “We must work to destigmatize mental health care to ensure that every individual feels empowered to seek the support they need. That’s why I co-sponsored a bill advocating for health benefit plans that prioritize access to mental health providers, ensuring everyone, including our students, has the resources they need for their well-being .

“As an educator, I have seen first-hand the impact that a supportive environment can have on a student’s well-being” said Rep. Rosy Bagolie (D-Essex, Passaic). “No student should have to fight their battles alone, and by establishing this partnership, we are establishing a framework that fosters an environment where students feel valued, supported and empowered to take charge of their mental health.”

“While mental health issues, depression and anxiety too often lurk in the shadows, it is imperative that we provide students with resources and support. » said Rep. Andrea Katz (D-Burlington, Atlantic). “Whether through virtual therapy sessions or 24/7 access to mental health services, thousands of students benefit from the services available here in New Jersey. As a mother of teenagers who will be heading to college in the coming years, I cannot stress enough the importance of continuing to strengthen our mental health support networks on college campuses so that these tools are available to them. long-term students.

The partnership continues to operate as a complement to Governor Murphy’s administration-wide strategy to strengthen youth mental health in New Jersey, which included $16 million in grants for higher education institutions to to increase the capacity of services on campus. Grants awarded by OSHE last summer are helping 44 institutions establish partnerships with community providers as well as professional development opportunities for faculty and staff who develop multicultural skills.

For a list of New Jersey institutions that partner with Uwill to provide services, visit https://www.nj.gov/highereducation/mentalhealth/telehealth.shtml

Students wishing to register on the platform to access digital mental health support and services should contact their college or university directly.