As we look ahead to 2025, I believe mental health is beginning to gain its rightful place in our collective priorities – including on our college and university campuses.
The just-released latest Healthy Minds Network Data Report for 2023-24, shows that for the first time in roughly 15 years of collecting Healthy Minds data, there have been two consecutive years of improved outcomes from fall 2022 through spring 2024. There are decreases in symptoms of anxiety, depression, and thoughts of suicide among college students, and there are increases in receiving mental health care and support among college students.
While we’re headed in the right direction, my nearly 20 years of working in college mental health, including at the University of Cincinnati, University of Virginia, the College of William and Mary, University of South Carolina, and in my current role as the Assistant Vice President for Health and Wellbeing at Wake Forest University, also tells me we still have much to learn and do in supporting all students equitably, with a truly integrated health and wellbeing experience.
As I’ve thought about where to expand my leadership and impact in the years ahead, I’m thrilled to share I’ll be joining the advisory board of BetterMynd, a startup that is reshaping the way online mental health vendors help to extend – not replace – the services provided by campus counseling centers.
As a former college counseling center director and staff member of nearly 25 years, I believe BetterMynd is doing something truly different by aligning their service model with each campus’ unique philosophy of care. This means that each center is in the driver’s seat and can allocate those services to meet individualized student needs. Whether that’s greater scheduling flexibility, removing waitlist time, or providing a more discrete path to therapy for students who just aren’t comfortable walking into a center on campus.
I know firsthand the concerns that many counseling centers have around “outsourcing” services – but I also believe that as higher education leaders, we must engage that tension and embrace collaboration and innovation that empowers us, and our staff, to truly fulfill our missions and service to students. By serving on the advisory board to an organization like BetterMynd, I am investing in the larger “we”/community that will help every college student thrive.
My commitment to mental health has always been far reaching, including collaborations with organizations like Jack and Jill of America, Inc., The Links, Inc., Delta Sigma Theta sorority, Inc., TRIO programs, and as the co-founder of Cuts and Conversations which focuses on mental health in community and campus barbershops, creating safe spaces for open dialogue and support. I believe this new role supporting BetterMynd is the ideal complement to my work thus far, with the opportunity to influence how online mental health providers align to the needs of diverse student populations, consider cultural identity, lived experiences, and ultimately foster an environment of inclusivity and support.
I’m excited for this new chapter with BetterMynd, and look forward to continuing to advocate for mental health awareness – empowering every college student to seek help without stigma.
In health,
Dr. Warrenetta Mann