The rising prevalence of mental health challenges among college students has prompted innovative solutions to address this pressing issue. According to the National Education Association, a staggering 60% of college students meet the criteria for at least one mental health problem, representing a nearly 50% increase over the past decade. This surge in mental health concerns has also impacted college enrollment, with four in 10 students recently contemplating withdrawing from college.
In response to this growing need, one organization has partnered with a campus housing company at several campuses, including two in New York state, to introduce a novel solution: the “Counslr” app. Designed to provide support to students before they reach a breaking point, Counslr offers a convenient text-based platform tailored to meet students where they are.
Residents at The Marshall, an off-campus housing facility near the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT), will soon have access to Counslr. Bennet Stutzman and Brandon Schultz, residents of The Marshall and RIT students, express optimism about the potential impact of Counslr. Stutzman highlights the accessibility of text-based communication, particularly for students who may struggle with face-to-face interactions.
Counslr, founded by CEO Josh Liss, allows students to initiate conversations with counselors simply by opening the app and typing out their concerns. Liss, in collaboration with Aptitude Development’s co-founder Jared Hutter, recognized the importance of prioritizing mental health within student housing complexes like The Marshall.
The app will be available to residents around the clock, emphasizing accessibility and timely support. While Counslr acknowledges the pressing need for expanded mental health services on college campuses, it is not positioned as a replacement for therapy or medication. Instead, licensed counselors will offer coping strategies and emotional support through text-based interactions.
As the demand for mental health resources continues to rise, Counslr aims to address these needs proactively by integrating mental well-being support into daily student life. Aptitude Development plans to extend this initiative to campus housing locations nationwide, reflecting a broader commitment to student welfare beyond individual campuses.
