College aims to make online mental health services like the clinically monitored, anonymous online community a normal part of the student experience
Saint Joseph’s College of Maine (SJC) students can now sign up for a powerful mental health support resource that’s available to them at no cost, anytime and anywhere they have internet connection. The college has launched a partnership with Togetherall, an online peer-to-peer community where students can benefit from receiving and providing support 24/7. Interactions on the platform are anonymous and supervised by licensed clinicians—empowering students to safely share their innermost thoughts and feelings in an inclusive environment.
Prompted by the COVID-19 pandemic, the SJC Counseling Center began looking for online options for services nearly two years ago so that no matter where students found themselves physically, they would have undisrupted access to mental health support. Furthermore, there was an urgent need for resources that did not require clinical counseling. The search led Saint Joseph’s to Togetherall, which ticked both these boxes and then some.
“We know that student stress has been exacerbated by the pandemic and the related ongoing adjustments (hybrid learning, mask mandates, limited capacities) in how to best provide education and a sense of community,” said Liz Wiesen, Psychologist and Chief Student Affairs Officer at Saint Joseph’s. “We recognized an added level of support was needed. When exploring options to present to our students—both those online and those on-campus—we found Togetherall. Our intention with adopting the services of Togetherall was to give as many students as possible the opportunity to get help for whatever mental health concerns they have, on their own time, from wherever they are.”
“The anxiety and isolation plaguing today’s college students are very different from those faced by past generations,” said Matthew McEvoy, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Togetherall in North America. “At Togetherall, our goal is to reassure our members that they are not alone. At any moment of any given day, they can pick up their phone or tablet or laptop and reach out for support. That quickly, someone feeling low can be uplifted by a community of peers that is diverse enough to ensure they will find members going through the same challenge and able to provide comforting words.”
Worldwide, Togetherall is available to more than 2.5 million students, with thousands of new members registering each month. In a 2021 survey of Togetherall users, nearly 50% said they joined because of the feature of anonymity, while 40% said they were attracted to Togetherall for its safety and moderation by professionals. Three out of four survey participants cited depression or low mood as the main issue that prompted them to seek support. More than one-third of those surveyed reported that Togetherall is the only mental health support they are using, including from loved ones.
To access the service, Saint Joseph’s students can go to the mobile-responsive webpage www.togetherall.com and enter their academic email address to register.
About Togetherall
Founded in 2007, Togetherall is a leading online mental health service that provides millions of people throughout the United States, Canada, U.K. and New Zealand, access to community and professional support 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The service is proven to help those who are struggling with stress, isolation, anxiety and other common mental health issues. Togetherall partners with organizations in the corporate, education, health and non-profit sectors. To learn more, visit https://togetherall.com/en-us/.
About Saint Joseph’s College of Maine
Saint Joseph’s College of Maine is where community grows - on campus, online, and around the world. Since its founding in 1912 by the Sisters of Mercy, the College has transformed learners into leaders who sustain their communities by offering immersive career readiness on a liberal arts foundation. Student success is enriched by a lived mission and the practice of core values. Saint Joseph’s beautiful campus on the shores of Sebago Lake boasts over 40 undergraduate programs - including nursing, education, the sciences, health & wellness, and business - and a competitive Division III athletic program. Its pioneering online certificate, undergraduate and advanced degrees empower professional leaders in every corner of the globe. Learn more about Saint Joseph's commitment to community at sjcme.edu.
For more information, please contact:
Matthew McEvoy
SVP and General Manager, North America
Togetherall
matt.mcevoy@togetherall.com
David Lischer
Clinical Director
Saint Joseph’s College Counseling Center
dlischer@sjcme.edu
