New Jersey Extends Free Teletherapy Access for College Students

Governor Mikie Sherrill announced the extension this week, emphasizing that young adults navigating higher education should not have to face emotional strain in isolation. By providing access to licensed counselors beyond standard campus office hours, the initiative aims to bridge gaps for students balancing academic, professional, and personal responsibilities. According to the state, 31 percent of all therapy sessions conducted under this partnership have occurred on weekends or after standard business hours.

The program serves as a critical supplement to existing campus counseling centers. Data indicates that nearly 34,000 sessions took place during academic breaks when traditional student health services were unavailable. Acting Secretary of Higher Education Margo Chaly noted that the flexibility of the platform is key to its success, as it meets students wherever they are. Beyond the clinical impact, the state estimates that students have saved between $2.3 million and $5.7 million in out-of-pocket costs since the partnership launched in April 2023. As the 2026-27 academic year approaches, officials are encouraging new and returning students to register through the Uwill platform using their institutional email addresses.