Togetherall expands the mental health resources available for UW-Madison students beyond the clinical services at UHS Mental Health Services, and those offered through UHS’s Uwill partnership, by creating an online space for peer-to-peer support. At UW-Madison, the 2022 Healthy Minds Survey found that 46 percent of students report receiving mental or emotional health support from their friends. Interacting with peers is an effective strategy for supporting mental health. While Rec Well’s peer wellness coaching provides individual and group space for peer-to-peer conversations about wellbeing on campus, Togetherall expands that concept with a fully online, anonymous space connecting students across the U.S. 

Funding for Togetherall was made possible by the Charles E. Kubly Foundation and the UHS Suicide Prevention Fund. University Health Services and Recreation & Wellbeing remain committed to expanding mental health resources for all UW-Madison students. There is no wrong entry point for students to begin their mental health journey. Togetherall is yet another resource students can use to find meaning and connection across campus that supports their individual wellbeing. 

After establishing care with an MHS provider, clients and their provider can discuss if in-person or remote appointments—or a combination of both—work best. Students located anywhere in Wisconsin are eligible for hybrid services, and there are additional virtual options for students located outside of Wisconsin. 

“The hybrid service option better meets the diverse needs of students receiving mental health services. It provides the availability of online services while also retaining in-person connection,” says Dr. Sarah Nolan, Director of Mental Health Services.   

The first step to determining if hybrid services are a good fit for you is to schedule an Access Appointment. During this appointment, you and the Access Specialist will collaboratively determine your goals and connect you to the best resources. After the Access Appointment, students will have their first virtual meeting with their individual counseling provider and discuss the types of appointments that work best for them.  

“The biggest advantage of hybrid services is that this option offers students more availability in terms of appointment times and flexibility in how they access care,” says Nolan.  

According to a UHS survey conducted in spring 2022, one-third of student respondents indicated they were interested in a hybrid option for their mental health care. In addition to providing off-site services within Wisconsin, hybrid services add convenience for students with busy schedules who may not have time to come to UHS for an appointment.   

“UHS has a strong commitment to supporting student mental health. We continue to improve our service offerings to meet the evolving needs of our student population,” says Nolan. 

To schedule an Access Appointment call 608-265-5600 (option 2) or log on to MyUHS  for 24-hour appointment booking. Learn more about the mental health resources available at UHS here: uhs.wisc.edu/uhs-mental-health-resources-beyond-counseling/. 

Written by Meisi Li, UHS Communications Assistant

If you want to get a counselor’s perspective: Let’s Talk sessions
Let’s Talk is a no-cost, informal, and confidential service where you can speak to a UHS counselor about specific problems and explore solutions in a 20-minute one-on-one session. Let’s Talk is a great way to explore what going to therapy and speaking to a mental health professional is like in a one-time, directed session. Some Let’s Talk sections focus on specific identities or concerns, with sessions for BIPOC students, LGBTQ+ students, engineering students, and more. Other daily sessions are open to all students and concerns. Let’s Talk sessions are offered daily online this summer between June 6 and August 12. Students do not need to pay the summer health fee to attend a Let’s Talk session. More information can be found on Let’s Talk website. 

If you want flexible counseling appointments available within 24 hours
UHS partnered with Uwill to expand access to flexible, no cost, virtual counseling options for students. Licensed mental health professionals are available for video, phone, chat, and message sessions during flexible hours – including nights and weekends. Students can get in quickly to see a counselor, with appointments typically available within 24 hours.

If you want relaxation assistance: UHS Guided Relaxation Playlist
UHS offers a guided relaxation playlist on Spotify. Topics include sleep, autogenic relaxation, muscle relaxation, breath awareness, and peaceful focus. Listen to the playlist on Spotify.

If you love mental health podcasts: UHS Connecting Badgers Podcast
UHS also offers the Connecting Badgers podcast, available on Spotify. The podcast, hosted by UHS specialists, offers tips for students to promote their mental health in order to strengthen student wellbeing and success. The podcast helps listeners improve their mental health literacy, so students can recognize, manage, and prevent mental health concerns. Listen to this podcast on Spotify. 

If you want to discuss mental health with peers who may have similar experiences or concerns as you: Group counseling
Group counseling provides a safe environment for participants to process emotions, give and receive feedback, and find community. Students can join a group that best fits their needs—some group topics are open to all students, like mindfulness and student success, and others focus on themes or identities, such as eating concerns, LGBTQ+ students, and students of color. Interpersonal process groups offer a space for individuals processing grief, depression, troubled relationships, and low self-esteem. For many groups, students attend a pre-group orientation to meet the group facilitator, have questions answered, and familiarize themselves with the group counseling process before their first session. Some groups, such as survivor support and meditation, are available for drop-in, meaning students can attend at any point in the semester. The group counseling schedule and semester/summer topics are available now.

These resources are great tools to help explore your mental health and make positive changes to your overall wellbeing. The UHS Guided Relaxation Playlist and the Connecting Badgers Podcast are available 24/7 for UW-Madison students. Let’s Talk sessions and Thrive workshops are available during Fall and Spring semesters, and summer Let’s Talk sessions are being piloted during Summer 2022. Group counseling is available during the academic year and in the summer to students who pay the summer health fee or are enrolled in summer courses.  

UW-Madison is here to support you.
UHS has a 24/7 Mental Health Crisis Support Line (608-265-5600, option 9). If you have other concerns for yourself or someone else, support is available from the Dean of Students Office (608-263-5700).