Online Learners Need Online Therapy

As the world continues to return to normalcy from the COVID-19 pandemic it’s become clear that some adjustments made during that time are here to stay. As anyone who’s ever heard the phrase “hop on a quick call” can attest, hybrid and remote work models are as popular as ever before. While this model is taking off in the professional world, educational institutions are also continuing to embrace online learning models.

Another emerging trend coming out of COVID is the number of students seeking mental health assistance. While the stigma around seeking help has taken steps forward in becoming less taboo, students’ increasing demand for accessible mental health care can leave universities struggling to meet their needs through their campus counseling centers.

With remote and hybrid learning becoming more common and student demand for accessible mental health resources at an all-time high, what are campuses doing to ensure their online students are receiving comparable counseling services as in-person students?

The Growth in Online Enrollment
Online learning can take many forms. While some higher education institutions offer online classes as part of their curriculum, other institutions offer 100% online degree programs even if they have a physical campus. As Inside Higher Ed notes, nearly half (46%) of online learning leaders note that online program enrollment is outpacing enrollment growth in on-campus programs at their institutions. In addition, 60% of those surveyed noted that online classes typically fill up first.

The growing demand for online learning, even among students living on campus, suggests that not only are students becoming more comfortable in an online environment but they are actively choosing to utilize their school’s online offerings.

As every institution knows, there is more to the college experience than simply taking classes. Simple amenities such as dining halls, recreational facilities, and libraries can certainly be made open to enrolled students but these more often than not require a student to be on campus to fully utilize. This can also be true for in-person counseling centers. But with the increasing number of online learners, how will they be able to conveniently access the school counseling center should they want to speak to a therapist?

Meeting Mental Health Needs of Online Learners
While many on-campus counseling centers offer a safe and approachable environment, the increasing number of students seeking mental health care can prove to be strenuous on counseling centers in terms of booking availability, staffing shortages, and lack of non-business hours care creating barriers for those seeking help, many of whom are trying to experience therapy for the first time. 

A global survey of higher education professionals was released by the Online Learning Consortium suggests that almost 83% of faculty, staff, and administrators working with online students noted an increased demand for mental health services by online students in the past academic year. In addition, 72% of students are occasionally, frequently, or very frequently reaching out regarding mental health concerns.

“A deepening crisis of student mental health and an epidemic of digital isolation and loneliness are creating challenges that affect online learners in unique and profound ways.” says Michael London, founder and CEO of Uwil. “This data adds to our understanding of how mental health challenges manifest in the online environment—and the role that online faculty and staff play as first responders.”

Plus, this lack of staffing availability can create barriers for BIPOC students. According to Forbes, Black students make up 23% of online enrollment compared to just 12% of traditional enrollment. Many BIPOC therapy seekers may feel more comfortable to speak with a therapist that shares their ethnic or cultural identity so not being able to select a therapist of their choosing can prevent these students from utilizing an on-campus counseling center.

How Uwill Can Help
As students become more open to online learning it is critical that schools take a proactive approach to meet their students’ mental health needs where they can be accessed safely. While there is no one-size fits all approach to therapy, Uwill provides students with accessibility, immediacy, and choice in regards to how they want to receive therapy. 

Students can book a teletherapy appointment with a licensed counselor that fits their needs and preferences at a time of their choosing. Booking an appointment with a Uwill counselor takes less than five minutes and there are no insurance hoops to jump through. Uwill also offers a 24/7/365 crisis connection as well as on-demand wellness programming to complement therapy.

If you are a student looking to book an appointment:

If you would like to learn more about bringing Uwill to your school:

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