Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, is launching a groundbreaking initiative this spring to provide students with easier access to mental health support. In partnership with Crisis Text Line, the university will offer students 24/7 support through text messaging, allowing them to reach out for help discreetly and at any time.
Dr. Steve Large, the assistant vice president for Student Health & Wellness, explained that the decision was driven by student feedback. Many students expressed a desire for more accessible care, particularly through methods other than phone calls. “What we were hearing from students is wanting more access to care at any time and also not wanting to have to call,” said Dr. Large. This initiative provides a solution that addresses both needs by offering text-based support.
The collaboration between Miami University and Crisis Text Line is made possible by a nearly $1 million grant from the Ohio Department of Higher Education, aimed specifically at improving student mental health. Miami H.O.P.E., a student support group, played a key role in advocating for the service, particularly following the mental health challenges many students faced during the isolation of the COVID-19 pandemic.
For students, the Crisis Text Line service offers an accessible, discrete way to seek support. Emma Halcomb, a senior from Miami H.O.P.E., noted that the ability to text for help during a moment of anxiety or distress, especially in situations where calling is impractical, will be invaluable. “Having that Crisis Text Line is discrete for students because there may be times that you’re in the middle of class and you have an anxiety attack, and you just need to pop out,” Halcomb explained.
The service will be available through text, web chat, or WhatsApp, and students can communicate in both English and Spanish. The new initiative will be introduced to students as they return to campus on January 27, providing a modern and easily accessible mental health resource.
Caleb Nelson, also a senior from Miami H.O.P.E., expressed hope that the service will inspire other universities across the country and around the world to adopt similar initiatives. “I hope it spreads to more universities around the country and the world. And I hope that everyone can get the mental health support that they need because it’s really important for our daily lives,” Nelson said.
This new mental health initiative at Miami University is a significant step forward in making mental health care more accessible and convenient for students, ensuring that support is always just a text away.
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