Students using the mental health platform Uwill can now find a range of support services in one place. They can get help with therapy, food assistance, housing, and more. Uwill, which connects students to mental health providers through AI, has recently acquired tbh. This platform also connects students to essential resources like food and housing.
Asaf Zilberfarb, a co-founder of tbh, mentioned that this integration will allow colleges to quickly support students facing basic needs challenges. He highlighted that it’s about providing students not just with resources to cope, but opportunities to thrive.
Both Uwill and tbh were founded in 2020. They arose in response to the mental health challenges faced by students during the COVID-19 pandemic. A survey from 2021 in New Jersey revealed that 40% of college students were worried about their mental health due to the pandemic. In response, New Jersey partnered with Uwill to offer mental health services in 44 colleges.
Mental health remains a major concern for students today. According to the Healthy Minds Study from the University of Michigan, the statistics are striking. In 2021, 34% of students reported anxiety, while 40% faced depression. By 2025, these figures remained notably high, with 32% and 38% respectively. Interestingly, the number of students seeking therapy increased to 38%.
Michael London, the founder and CEO of Uwill, emphasizes that addressing mental health goes beyond therapy and medication. A 2018 study by the American Journal of Health Promotion found that students struggling with basic needs—like food and housing—are more likely to experience anxiety and depression. Those facing multiple insecurities had a significantly higher likelihood of these issues.
Today’s students juggle academic pressures, jobs, and family obligations, often without access to essential resources. London pointed out that providing comprehensive support means addressing these fundamental needs.
As mental health continues to be a pressing issue, platforms like Uwill and tbh play a crucial role in bridging the gap between emotional support and basic necessities. With the right resources, we can help students not just manage, but truly thrive.
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