Safety & Security | News
UC Davis Deploys Mobile Site To Help Students Access Mental Health Services Via Smartphone
Students at the University
of California, Davis have a new way to learn about and access
mental health services for themselves or friends, thanks to a new Web
site at the school.
The mobile-friendly site, dubbed Just in Case, "offers a menu of seven simply
worded choices including: 'I'm struggling to cope,' 'I'm worried about
a friend,' and 'I might hurt myself,'" according to a school news
release. "From there, the resource helps students assess feelings and
behaviors and guides them to appropriate resources on the campus and in
the community."
"It can take a lot of courage for someone to be willing to seek help
when in need," said Zachary Ward, a staff psychologist with Counseling Services at UC Davis, in a prepared
statement. "The moment someone is ready, we at Student Health and
Counseling Services want to be right there with the resources and
support to help. This mobile Web site is another way we can do just
that."
The site, which cost UC Davis $3,500 for a two-year contract, was
developed by eReadia
in partnership with Student
Affairs Administrators in Higher Education (NASPA).
In addition to UC Davis, four other University of California schools
and eight other campuses are using a version of the site tailored to
their needs.
"The time for mobile delivery of these critical resources is here,"
said Kevin Kruger, president of NASPA, in a prepared statement.
"Several recent high-profile cases have told us that support for a
student undergoing crisis is critical on an 'anywhere, anytime' basis.
But equally important is support for a friend or roommate who may be in
a position to intervene and assist in the process of getting help."
About the Author
Joshua Bolkan is contributing editor for Campus Technology, THE Journal and STEAM Universe. He can be reached at [email protected].
