TRENTON, N.J. — New Jersey’s first-of-its-kind, state-funded teletherapy initiative has provided more than 78,000 free mental health sessions to college students since its launch in 2023, marking a major milestone in the state’s efforts to address the growing demand for accessible student mental health services.
The data, released by the New Jersey Office of the Secretary of Higher Education, reveals that the program has reached 18,223 students across 45 public and independent higher education institutions. The statewide initiative, established in partnership with mental health provider Uwill, is the nation’s first comprehensive state-level investment in teletherapy for all college students.
“New Jersey is rethinking student mental health — not as an add-on, but as a cornerstone of student success and our statewide college completion strategy,” said Dr. Brian K. Bridges, Secretary of Higher Education. “Meeting students’ mental health needs is essential to keeping them on track as they navigate family, personal, work, and financial responsibilities alongside academic commitments.”
Expanded Access Through Flexible, Inclusive Care
The program addresses an urgent gap in campus mental health services at a time when colleges nationwide are grappling with unprecedented demand for counseling. Mental health challenges, such as emotional distress and anxiety, are among the leading reasons students withdraw from college, making accessible care a key factor in student retention and graduation.
Utilization data underscores the benefits of flexible scheduling. Nearly one-third of all sessions occurred outside traditional business hours, with 19.2% taking place on weeknights and 9.6% on weekends. In 2024 alone, over 12,000 sessions were held during summer break or winter intersession, with more than 1,000 conducted while students were out of state, ensuring continuous access to support.
Students are seeking help for a wide range of issues, including self-esteem, loneliness, trauma, academic stress, and body image — highlighting the complex pressures facing today’s college population.
The program’s strong emphasis on culturally responsive care has also been key to its success. A majority of participating students selected counselors who identify as Black, Indigenous, or People of Color (BIPOC), and many opted for services in languages other than English. This linguistic and cultural accessibility has helped ensure students feel understood and supported, regardless of background.
A Safety Net for Students in Crisis
Beyond routine support, the platform has played a vital role in crisis intervention. Since its inception, the program has facilitated over 1,075 crisis connections, including three life-saving emergency rescues that led to hospitalizations for intensive psychiatric care.
With standard therapy session copays averaging $30, New Jersey students have collectively saved an estimated $2.2 million in out-of-pocket expenses, a significant relief amid rising educational and living costs.
“More students than ever before are balancing work, family, and academic responsibilities — including raising children and holding full- or part-time jobs,” said Governor Phil Murphy. “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.”
A New Model for Statewide Mental Health Policy
Unlike fragmented, institution-specific models, New Jersey’s teletherapy initiative provides consistent access to care for all college students statewide, regardless of which institution they attend. Licensed mental health professionals are available to students within 24 hours through a network spanning all 50 U.S. states and internationally.
Michael London, founder and CEO of Uwill, praised the initiative as a model for national adoption. “New Jersey’s commitment to mental health access is setting a new standard for how states can support their college students. 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.”
The teletherapy platform complements existing campus wellness and counseling centers, expanding overall capacity to meet increasing student needs. Eligible students will continue to have access to the state-funded program through April 2026.
As mental health concerns remain a pressing issue for higher education nationwide, New Jersey’s initiative stands out as a bold, scalable solution — one that prioritizes student wellness as essential to academic and lifelong success.
