Mental Health Support Programs

The omnipresence of digital screens is having a profound effect on our mental health. Colleges students today are older, have more work, family and course work. This is on top of de facto social media resposibilities. The increase in workload and the increase in screen time signals that we are reaching the upper limits of human brain capacity. Luckily, we highlight monthly select colleges nationwide that have instituted innovative mental wellness programs for their students. Awareness of mental health skyrocketed in the 2021 Olympics when Simone Biles courageously placed her mental health and well being ahead of personal acheivement. Her act of bravery created an overwhelming wave of support for mental health and allowed for innovative programs to take root.

We examine mental health support programs along three main categories:

  • Peer support programs
  • Individual referral programs
  • Mental wellness curriculum integration
Strayer University

Strayer University

At Strayer University, we understand that students have a lot on their plate, juggling work, family, and more while pursuing their education. That’s why we have the Strayer Center for Well-Being, dedicated to caring for every aspect of our students’ lives.

You can access the Center for Well-Being on iCampus, serving as a one-stop hub for information and student support. It’s organized into six dimensions of well-being: Academics, Career, Essential Needs, Finances, Mind & Body, and Social Connection. Each page provides resources and support based on what students need, including links to various services to help with coursework, life support, career, and finances. We’re here to support your holistic well-being.

Laptop ProgramLaptop Program : Yes

LocationLocation : Online

Wellness activitiesWellness Program : Yes

class creditsClass Credits : No

health insuranceProvide Health Insurance : Yes

pet therapyPet Therapy : No

Peer to peerPeer to Peer : Yes

Mental HealthMental Health Score : 75

University of Maryland

University of Maryland

Wellness hut that is a safe place for students that seek help and need questions answered. Hosts farmer’s market each Wednesday for healthy food!

They offer Teletherapy and Telehealth. The University of Maryland counts with their Health Promotion and Wellness Services unit promoted holistic wellbeing of students.

Laptop ProgramLaptop Program : Laptop Loaner

LocationLocation : College Park, Maryland.

Wellness activitiesWellness Program : Yes

class creditsClass Credits : No

health insuranceProvide Health Insurance : Yes

pet therapyPet Therapy : Yes

Peer to peerPeer to Peer : Yes

Mental HealthMental Health Score : 85

Georgia Institute of Technology

Georgia Institute of Technology

They use the concept of “upstream,” which focuses on preventing students from having issues by implementing safety-net wellness initiatives. They offer “adulting” classes where they teach skills such as financial wellness. They have registered dietitians on staff, Body Positive Program, VOICE for sexual violence prevention and survivor support.

They offer events such as Pet Therapy – The Wellness Empowerment Center has partnered with Happy Tails. They have an LGBTQIA Resource Center, Women’s Center, Center for Mental Health Care and Resources woth services like referral to support services, short-term counseling, testing and assesment, crisis intervention, couples counseling, etc.

Laptop ProgramLaptop Program : Laptop Loaner

LocationLocation : Atlanta, GA

Wellness activitiesWellness Program : Yes

class creditsClass Credits : Yes

health insuranceProvide Health Insurance : Yes

pet therapyPet Therapy : Yes

Peer to peerPeer to Peer : No

Mental HealthMental Health Score : 73

Full Sail University

Full Sail University

Hosts annual wellness dair, a day-long event that provides resources that promote ways to live and feel better. Attendees can connect with mental health advisors, register to vote, shop and even get their seasonal flu shot. Wellness treatments and products are available for purchase, and local organizations offer information and resources to those interested. They have a wellness coordinator

Laptop ProgramLaptop Program : Yes

LocationLocation : Winter Park, FL

Wellness activitiesWellness Program : Yes

class creditsClass Credits : No

health insuranceProvide Health Insurance : No

pet therapyPet Therapy : No

Peer to peerPeer to Peer : Yes

Mental HealthMental Health Score : 65

Miller-Motte College

Miller-Motte College

Students can access counseling services and speak with trained professionals who offer guidance through individual counseling and support groups.
Their telehealth options make taking care of students’ mental health more accesible and approachable.

Laptop ProgramLaptop Program : Yes

LocationLocation : Chattanooga, TN

Wellness activitiesWellness Program : Yes

class creditsClass Credits : No

health insuranceProvide Health Insurance : No

pet therapyPet Therapy : No

Peer to peerPeer to Peer : No

Mental HealthMental Health Score : 35

Miller-Motte College

Miller-Motte College

Miller-Motte is committed to student success. We offer personalized support for career goals, financial aid guidance, and a technology package that includes a Google Chromebook

Laptop ProgramLaptop Program : Yes

LocationLocation : Fayetteville, NC

Wellness activitiesWellness Program : Yes

class creditsClass Credits : No

health insuranceProvide Health Insurance : No

pet therapyPet Therapy : No

Peer to peerPeer to Peer : No

Mental HealthMental Health Score : 35

Lawrence Technological University

Lawrence Technological University

Clinical Counseling Services offered to students, including mental health counseling and related services to look after psychological well-being of students. Students can schedule appointments, walk-in sessions or group sessions. School organizes different events, like Study Paws in the Library (therapy dogs) once a month, yoga, and more. They have partnered with MiResource to provide a list of local clinicians for off-campus referrals. They have licensed psychologists on campus for students to access through their Disability Services.

Laptop ProgramLaptop Program : Yes

LocationLocation : Southfield, MI

Wellness activitiesWellness Program : Yes

class creditsClass Credits : No

health insuranceProvide Health Insurance : No

pet therapyPet Therapy : Yes

Peer to peerPeer to Peer : Yes

Mental HealthMental Health Score : 77

Lynn University

Lynn University

Founded in 1962 and named after the Lynn family, Lynn University is a private university in Boca Raton, Florida. Lynn University takes mental health and wellness seriously, and they show it by offering counseling services, fitness programs and medical care for students and faculty members! They have the Student Health facility, which provides first aid and medical services, helping students stay healthy.

Mental health awareness movements at Lynn allow students to take care of themselves, encourages self-growth and healthy eating. Events like yoga on the beach or health fairs are student favorites! With a total undergraduate enrollment of 2,095, Lynn University makes sure that each of its students has the best experience they possibly can.

Laptop ProgramLaptop Program : Yes

LocationLocation : Boca Raton, FL

Wellness activitiesWellness Program : Yes

class creditsClass Credits : No

health insuranceProvide Health Insurance : Yes

pet therapyPet Therapy : No

Peer to peerPeer to Peer : No

Mental HealthMental Health Score : 45

Arizona State University

Arizona State University

2018 Active Minds names ASU as one of the 7 best colleges in America for providing health and well-being programs for its students.

Laptop ProgramLaptop Program : Yes

LocationLocation : Tempe, AZ

Wellness activitiesWellness Program : Yes

class creditsClass Credits : Yes

health insuranceProvide Health Insurance : Yes

pet therapyPet Therapy : Yes

Peer to peerPeer to Peer : No

Mental HealthMental Health Score : 70

Western Wyoming Community College

Western Wyoming Community College

Wellbeing and Accessibility Department. Every Wednesday they focus on wellbeing with free events and activities. Activities have free stickers, treats, prizes and freebies. They have a relaxation room for calm environment meditation, art and light therapy.

Parent students can apply to the CSU Childcare Grant, which helps with the burden of having kids and managing school.

Laptop ProgramLaptop Program :

LocationLocation : Rock Springs, Wyoming

Wellness activitiesWellness Program : Yes

class creditsClass Credits : No

health insuranceProvide Health Insurance : No

pet therapyPet Therapy : No

Peer to peerPeer to Peer : Yes

Mental HealthMental Health Score : 65

Colorado State University

Colorado State University

Colorado Sate University offers skill-building workshop (Anger Management, NARCAN Trainings, Mindfullly Managing Stress Substance Abuse, and more), multicultural counseling, crisis intervention, psychiatric services, group therapy, brief individual therapy, DAY Programs and Post-Hospitalization Support.

Laptop ProgramLaptop Program :

LocationLocation : Fort Collins, CO

Wellness activitiesWellness Program : Yes

class creditsClass Credits : No

health insuranceProvide Health Insurance : No

pet therapyPet Therapy : No

Peer to peerPeer to Peer : No

Mental HealthMental Health Score : 35

Westminster College

Westminster College

It offers the Human Performance and Wellness program, that lets students earn credits towards their degree. It also organizes non-credit wellness programs. College Raptor named Westminster College the 11th best college for health and wellness.

They focus on prevention and intervention programs to teach a holistic approach to wellbeing. Their program focuses on 7 areas: social, intellectual, emotional, spiritual, physical, environmental and financial wellness. They have a wellness center and different events. WU partners with GBS Benefits for information and assitance in obtaining health insurance for studients and families.

Laptop ProgramLaptop Program :

LocationLocation : Salt Lake City, UT

Wellness activitiesWellness Program : Yes

class creditsClass Credits : Yes

health insuranceProvide Health Insurance : Yes

pet therapyPet Therapy : Yes

Peer to peerPeer to Peer : Yes

Mental HealthMental Health Score : 100

College of William & Mary

College of William & Mary

They offer more than 35 different health and wellness programs at their Health and Wellness Dept. From yoga therapy to “Authentic Excellence.” Program services include acupuncture, massage therapy, reiki, personal training, group therapy, individual counseling apps… They have W&M Wellness App, with information on Campus Recreation, Counseling Center, fitness and wellness clases, health coaching, mindfulness, etc.

Laptop ProgramLaptop Program :

LocationLocation : Williamsburg, VA

Wellness activitiesWellness Program : Yes

class creditsClass Credits : No

health insuranceProvide Health Insurance : Yes

pet therapyPet Therapy : Yes

Peer to peerPeer to Peer : Yes

Mental HealthMental Health Score : 87

Connecticut College

Connecticut College

Connecticut College takes student wellness seriously, even employing a Full time director of student wellness. Student Health Services is a licensed outpatient clinic attending to the immediate primary heañth needs of all matriculated students.

All students are required to have health insurance, either on their own or through the College, which means that Connecticut College helps students find an insurance that’s right for them. Student Counseling Services

Laptop ProgramLaptop Program :

LocationLocation : New London, Connecticut

Wellness activitiesWellness Program : Yes

class creditsClass Credits : No

health insuranceProvide Health Insurance : Yes

pet therapyPet Therapy : No

Peer to peerPeer to Peer : No

Mental HealthMental Health Score : 45

University of Southern California

University of Southern California

The University of Southern California (USC) places a strong emphasis on the well-being of its students, with a comprehensive approach to mental health care. USC offers a wide range of resources and support services to ensure students’ mental health needs are met.

Their dedicated counseling and mental health services provide students with access to licensed professionals who offer individual therapy, group counseling, and workshops. USC promotes mental health awareness through various initiatives and events, reducing stigma and fostering an open and supportive campus culture. 

Laptop ProgramLaptop Program :

LocationLocation : Los Angeles, California

Wellness activitiesWellness Program : Yes

class creditsClass Credits : No

health insuranceProvide Health Insurance : Yes

pet therapyPet Therapy : No

Peer to peerPeer to Peer : Yes

Mental HealthMental Health Score : 74