As students start their fall semester classes, Wor-Wic Community College has new technology to help them succeed: live, online mental health services.
The American College Health Association’s most recent National College Health Assessment found that 73 percent of students reported moderate or serious psychological distress.
“College can be a vulnerable and stressful time, and we knew it was important to address this need,” said Michael Webber, director of student success. “It’s not only affecting their academics, but their whole life. We want to do all we can to ensure our students succeed and help them through challenges they face.”
As a school that works to support students from many walks of life, Wor-Wic has long offered online, hybrid and in-person classes to fit multiple schedules. It was natural to take the same approach to mental health services. Now, students have access to BetterMynd, which provides real-time, one-on-one online therapy sessions from licensed mental health counselors. The sessions can be accessed via smartphones, laptops or tablets.
The online service is in addition to Wor-Wic’s on-campus and virtual appointments through its own counseling center.
“It was time to meet students where they so often are: online,” Webber said. “BetterMynd is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week – even on holidays. And we still welcome those students who prefer in-person counseling on our campus.”
For students who want to take a proactive approach, BetterMynd has free self-help resources and group workshops.
The services are available to all Wor-Wic students, free of charge. For more information, visit http://www.worwic.edu and click on “Services and Support.”
