Togetherall, an online platform that enables students to engage in mental health support by sharing personal experiences and connecting with peers, has partnered with University Health Services (UHS) and Recreation & Wellbeing on April 3 to offer free virtual peer support services to all University of Wisconsin-Madison students. This service is now accessible to UW-Madison students around the clock, free of charge.
One of the unique features of Togetherall is its focus on student-to-student connections, as noted by Dr. Ellen Marks, UHS senior associate director of clinical mental health services. Through this platform, students can engage in anonymous peer support through message posts and comments. Clinical “wall guides” monitor these conversations and intervene when necessary to ensure students receive appropriate assistance.
The anonymity provided by Togetherall fosters a supportive environment for students to discuss mental health topics freely. This platform aims to reach a diverse range of students, including those who may be hesitant to seek traditional mental health care. A Healthy Minds Survey conducted by UHS in 2022 found that 46% of students reported seeking mental or emotional health support from friends, making platforms like Togetherall valuable additions to existing resources.
Funding for Togetherall is made possible through contributions from the Charles E. Kubly Foundation and the UHS Suicide Prevention Fund. Students can easily access Togetherall through the student registration page, providing them with a convenient and confidential outlet to connect with peers nationwide. This platform complements the services already offered by UHS and helps reduce barriers for students seeking mental health support.
With this partnership, university officials hope that Togetherall will provide more comprehensive support for their students’ mental health needs while also helping reduce stigma surrounding seeking help for mental health issues.
Togetherall offers a safe space for UW-Madison students to connect with their peers and share their struggles while remaining anonymous. This anonymity allows for honest conversations about mental health without fear of judgment or retribution.
Dr. Marks stated that “We are excited about this new partnership as it provides our students with another option for seeking support when they need it.”
Togetherall’s availability 24/7 makes it easy for UW-Madison students to access it whenever they need it without worrying about scheduling or logistics.
This new service will help break down barriers that prevent some students from seeking traditional mental health care options such as therapy or medication.
The Healthy Minds Survey conducted by UHS showed that many students turn to friends when seeking help with their mental health needs.
In conclusion, this partnership between University Health Services (UHS), Recreation & Wellbeing, and Togetherall is a positive step towards providing comprehensive support for UW-Madison’s student population’s mental health needs while also reducing stigma surrounding asking for help.
