It is no secret that for many, college is a stressful time. There can be monstrous exams, abundant weekly reading and rapidly approaching due dates. Even ignoring academics, students still have to balance their social lives, relationships and many have jobs as well. With all these challenges, it is easy for one’s mental health to suffer, which is why the University of Louisiana at Lafayette has partnered with Uwill, a platform where students can get support immediately.
Uwill is a company devoted to improving mental health services on college campuses across the world. The plan to have Uwill come to UL Lafayette has been in the works since the summer of 2023 when the Board of Regents, the organization that coordinates public higher education, received extra funding for mental health services from the state. Some of which were given to UL Lafayette. After a year of development, the program was launched this August.
The platform has a variety of services, most notably a crisis line, 833-646-1526, which is open 24/7 and students are encouraged to call whenever they find themselves in need of help. Through Uwill, students can also schedule an unlimited number of free counseling sessions at the Counseling and Testing Center.
Sessions can be in person but also digitally if you’re only available after office hours or in need of therapy during the weekend or a school break.
Uwill’s referral service offers a free and convenient way for students to get the medication they need. By linking students to providers, who can offer free assessments to see if a prescription could help a student with their mental wellness. By making the referral process online, medication is much more accessible for those who need it, be it a student with anxiety, ADHD or various other conditions that can impact a person’s life.
If medication or therapy is not what you are looking for and you are only in need of a small, encouraging push or help navigating your complicated life, Uwill hosts a variety of self-help videos. Whether it’s managing anger, improving sleep or managing relationships, if you’re struggling with something, chances are there is a video on Uwill that can help.
Since its implementation in early August, nearly 300 students have accessed Uwill, reporting a high satisfaction, with more accessing the program every day.
One thing Dr. Kristy Fusilier, assistant director for the Counseling and Testing Center, stressed was that students should scan the QR codes and sign in to Uwill now. By scanning the QR code and signing up in advance, students can avoid the stress, frustration and potential panic of navigating the internet when in need of help.
So next time students pass the Uwill posters around campus they are strongly encouraged to go ahead and sign up for the completely free service. It is Uwill’s mission to provide free and immediate support to students, so taking that first step could greatly improve the outcome even if it may appear unnecessary.
Reaching out for help can be intimidating, especially when you have to navigate the country’s mental health system. Referrals, waiting lists and fees can be more than discouraging. Luckily students can avoid all of those hurdles just by going through the Counseling and Testing Center. “We’re free, unlimited and have no waiting list. Reach out, we’re here, Uwill’s here, so take advantage of our services,” said Fusilier.
From fall 2023 to the summer of 2024, over a thousand clients attended therapy at the center, with a retention rate of 81 percent. The most common reasons for seeking help at the center are often anxiety, depression and self esteem.
“If you’re struggling,” said Fusilier, “there are people you know within your circle but also outside of your circle that do care about you. So if you feel like you’re not doing well, definitely reach out to somebody, don’t be afraid, it’s nothing to be ashamed of, it’s what we’re here for.”
If there is one thing that UL Lafayette students should know is that you should never be afraid to ask for help. Whether it’s from friends, family or a counselor at Saucier Hall, everyone should be able to reach out and get help. Life gets hard, life gets stressful and by going alone it only gets harder. So if you are ever in need, scan the QR code, or walk over to Saucier Hall for free immediate help.