CAPS, Purdue University Online partner to offer new well-being resource for students

Purdue University Online and students on the West Lafayette campus now have access to a new mental health and wellness resource, thanks to a partnership with Counseling and Psychological Services. CAPS continues to pursue innovative ways to serve students, and this resource is the latest example of these efforts.

Uwill, a teletherapy service, offers students free and flexible access to a therapist of their choice through a proprietary technology that facilitates immediate appointments with licensed mental health counselors, based on student needs and preferences. Uwill services are initiated after a brief screening and referral from CAPS. Purdue University Online students have access to free therapy sessions regardless of their location, while West Lafayette students can also access sessions when recommended by CAPS.

“This is a wonderful resource to increase our capacity to meet student demand and enhance care for Boilermakers,” says Chris Hanes, director of CAPS. “This is a particularly important connection for Purdue University Online students due to the distance many of those students live from campus. Uwill gives these students a free, flexible option they can access from anywhere at a time that is convenient for them.”

Uwill provides access to therapists through multiple modes, including video, phone, chat and messaging. Uwill services are also available during evenings, weekends and holidays. Uwill is a prominent mental health and wellness solution for colleges and students, counting more than 200 institutions as partners.

CAPS continues to see a significant demand for services. During the 2022-23 academic year, students attended 18,921 appointments. CAPS has responded to this demand with increased staff, new flexible and accessible services, and expanded campus-based prevention programming and partnerships, all while continuing to maintain same-day or next-day access for any student seeking services.

Purdue Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) is a team of mental health professionals who deliver accessible, culturally competent and high-quality psychological services to Purdue students. CAPS helps Purdue students maximize the value of their life experiences by developing collaborative relationships in a safe and respectful environment. CAPS’ portfolio of professional services includes individual, group and couples psychotherapy; psychopharmacology; crisis intervention; drug and alcohol programs; outreach and consultation; and the training of helping professionals.  

Purdue University Online builds on Purdue University’s historic land-grant mission to deliver the university’s high-quality education in an accessible, affordable manner. Purdue University Online matches students with online and hybrid programs from across the Purdue University system, including Purdue West Lafayette, Purdue Fort Wayne, Purdue Northwest and Purdue Global.