Student Health Services Launches Togetherall, a New Online Peer Support Platform for Students

A Step Towards Enhanced Mental Health Support in Higher Education

For students, college can often resemble a balancing act of stresses and pressures—academic, career, social, financial—all while figuring out how to be a young adult in an increasingly chaotic world. This is a reality that many students face daily, with the pressures mounting and the need for support growing. To address this, Boston University Student Health Services (SHS) has recently launched Togetherall, a new online peer support platform designed to provide students with a safe and anonymous space to share their struggles and connect with peers who understand their experiences.

The Need for Mental Health Support in Higher Education

College life is a time of significant change and growth, but it can also be an incredibly challenging period. Students are often struggling with academic pressures, financial stress, and social anxieties, all while trying to navigate their identities and futures. Traditional mental health resources, such as counseling services, are crucial but sometimes not enough to meet the immediate needs of students. This is where peer support platforms like Togetherall come in.

Togetherall is an online community where students can share their concerns, connect with peers, and access mental health resources without the stigma associated with traditional therapy. The platform functions similarly to social media, allowing users to post about their struggles, respond to posts from others, and engage in group chats. However, unlike social media, it is clinically moderated by licensed mental health professionals who monitor the platform 24/7 for high-risk language and behavior.

How Togetherall Works

The platform is designed to be user-friendly and accessible. Students can join groups that resonate with their experiences, such as those focused on test anxiety or feelings of homesickness. They can also post about their situations, find support from peers who have gone through similar experiences, and engage in discussions that promote a sense of community and belonging.

One of the key features of Togetherall is its integration with existing mental health services. Users can connect with mental health professionals, called "wall guides," who are available to chat or answer questions. These guides can also connect users with specific resources on campus, such as clinical care at Behavioral Medicine or support groups.

Benefits of Peer Support

Peer support is not just about sharing struggles; it’s also about building resilience and improving mental health. By connecting with peers who understand their experiences, students can normalize conversations around mental health and feel less isolated in their struggles. This can lead to increased engagement and interaction within the community, ultimately improving overall wellbeing and resiliency.

Diverse Support for Diverse Students

Togetherall recognizes that students are not a monolithic group. The platform caters to diverse needs by offering resources and support groups tailored to specific demographics. For instance, 53% of surveyed students identify as Black, Indigenous, or a Person of Color (BIPOC), and 7% identify as transgender or non-binary. This inclusivity is crucial in creating a safe space where all students feel welcome and supported.

Integration with Existing Services

Boston University’s decision to launch Togetherall is part of a broader strategy to expand mental health support offerings. The university already provides a range of services, including free unlimited counseling sessions through Find@Northeastern and support groups. By integrating Togetherall into this ecosystem, students have more options for seeking help, whether they need immediate support or ongoing therapy.

A Scalable Solution

Togetherall is not just limited to Boston University. It is available to over 4.6 million students worldwide at more than 450 colleges and universities. This scalability is part of what makes the platform so effective. It can be integrated into existing campus mental health services, providing a cost-effective, population-wide solution that expands reach and helps support more students.

Future Aspirations

The launch of Togetherall marks a significant step towards enhancing mental health support in higher education. As institutions continue to evolve their mental health services, it is clear that peer support platforms like Togetherall will play a crucial role. By offering multiple opportunities for students to access support, institutions can reduce the incidence of mental health crises and mitigate the need for clinical intervention.

Student Health Services at Boston University hopes that its range of offerings, including Togetherall, will provide students with easy, judgment-free options that make sense for whatever they might be dealing with. By recognizing when students might need a little help managing their stressors and offering a range of tools to support them, institutions can foster a community where students thrive.

Conclusion

The launch of Togetherall at Boston University marks a significant step towards enhancing mental health support in higher education. By providing a safe and anonymous space for students to share their struggles and connect with peers, the platform addresses a critical need for immediate and ongoing support. As institutions continue to prioritize student wellbeing, peer support platforms like Togetherall will undoubtedly play a vital role in creating a more vibrant and diverse population of students who support each other through the challenges of college life.

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References:

• https://togetherall.com/en-us/mental-health-services/college-students/
• https://togetherall.com/en-us/news/northeastern-university-provides-digital-peer-support-for-students-across-their-global-university-system/
• https://www.bu.edu/articles/2024/togetherall-a-new-online-peer-support-platform-for-students/
• https://miamioh.edu/student-life/news/2022/11/togetherall.html
• https://togetherall.com/en-us/news/university-of-houston-integrates-digital-peer-support-into-existing-mental-health-offerings-for-more-than-46000-students/