April Hero of the Month: Symone McLaughlin, LMHC

Every month, we spotlight a counselor who has gone above and beyond for Uwill as our Hero of the Month. This month, we are delighted to recognize Symone McLaughlin, LMHC, as Uwill’s Monthly Hero.

Since joining the Uhelp team in October 2024, Symone has always gone above and beyond for Uwill.  In that time, she has worked over 1,300 hours, impacting the lives of Uwill students across the country in need of crisis support. Symone showcases amazing empathy and clinical skills in her work with students. Her willingness to be flexible and support new offerings is commendable and greatly appreciated. 

Therefore, this month, we are delighted to recognize Symone as our Uwill Hero for all her contributions and support for our students and the larger Uwill community. Symone — thank you again for all you do. We are truly grateful for your support and commitment.

What excites you the most about working with Uwill?
What excites me most about working with Uwill is being available to support students in moments of distress 24/7/365. I remember what it was like for me as a student in college and wish I had a platform like Uwill where I can speak to a therapist without worrying about affordability or accessibility.

Can you illustrate the importance of a student being able to access a platform like Uwill?
Having access to a platform like Uwill can be especially important for college students because college is often a time of major transition, pressure, and isolation all at once. Students may be away from home for the first time, adjusting to new academic expectations, navigating relationships, and managing financial or identity-related stress—all while feeling like they’re supposed to “handle it” on their own since they are now adults. College is also a time when many mental health concerns first emerge or become more noticeable, often while students are away from their usual support systems or coping strategies.

What aspect of your work do you enjoy the most
What I find most enjoyable is supporting people in moments when they can’t clearly see a way forward and witnessing the shift that can happen throughout the conversation. Helping them feel understood and regain just enough clarity and stability to get through that moment safely is what makes the work rewarding to me.

What are some skills you have learned from Uwill that you have been able to apply in your everyday practice?
I’ve learned that even brief interactions can have a real impact, even if you never see the actual outcome. In my everyday practice, remembering this has helped me focus on being more present without overextending myself, and to take a step back when needed. Offering space for others to find their own resolution is sometimes more impactful than directing the conversation.

What was it that first attracted you to working with Uwill?
The flexibility in hours is what initially drew me to my role at Uwill. The schedule feels sustainable for me, giving me enough time to show up prepared, focused, and fully present with each client, while also helping me avoid burnout—which can happen easily in this line of work.

How has being a member of Uwill’s Counselor Community impacted you as a professional?
Honestly, I’ve never experienced a team that is so consistently supportive and willing to help one another. As a professional, it showed me what real teamwork looks like, being able to rely on and trust colleagues even without ever meeting them in person. It also taught me how to navigate remote work in a way that prevents isolation by staying connected and reaching out when needed rather than trying to manage everything alone. Lastly, Uwill gives me so many opportunities to be involved in professional development webinars that directly support my growth as a counselor.

With the summer approaching, what advice do you have for students needing to adjust to new settings and routines?
Embrace the changes and see them as an opportunity to learn something new about yourself. How do you show up in a new setting? Do you find strength in one routine over another? Ultimately, let these moments help you understand yourself more deeply and guide you toward what feels most aligned moving forward.

To learn more about becoming a counselor with Uwill, click on the link below.

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