As college students across the United States grapple with rising mental health challenges, the Ruderman Family Foundation is launching the first-of-its-kind mobile mental health program designed to reach them right where they are—on campus.
The program launched at Northeastern University, where the administration formally embraced the initiative. It is now also available to Harvard University students through the support of Harvard Chabad, just in time for the start of the new academic year. Additional Boston-area college students will be able to access services either in-person or virtually, broadening the program’s impact beyond these two flagship campuses.
The initiative comes at a critical time when antisemitism on college campuses has reached alarming levels. According to recent data from Hillel International, antisemitic incidents against Jewish students increased by 700% from 2022 to 2023 following the Oct. 7 Hamas attacks on Israel. Additionally, the Anti-Defamation League reported an all-time high number of antisemitic incidents on college campuses last year, with an alarming 73% of Jewish students experiencing or witnessing antisemitism. This surge in hostility has created an urgent need for culturally sensitive mental health support for all students.
The Student Wellness Program addresses critical gaps in mental health services for college students by providing:
- Mobile wellness vans that are stationed at designated campus locations near Hillel houses and other Jewish campus organizations;
- Private interior spaces for confidential therapy sessions with licensed clinicians;
- Walk-up support for immediate needs with no appointment necessary;
- Year-round availability, including during academic breaks;
- Culturally sensitive care from Jewish therapists, including Hebrew-speaking options; and,
- Seamless integration with existing campus mental health initiatives.
“Students today face a heightened struggle in mental health, and the barriers to care are only getting steeper,” said Jay Ruderman, president of the Ruderman Family Foundation. “Our Student Wellness Program eliminates those barriers, offering students accessible, culturally sensitive therapy right where they live and study. At a time of rising antisemitism, we’re proud to stand with Jewish students and ensure they feel seen, supported and safe.”
The program launches with two fully equipped vans capable of providing 20 sessions per day, totaling approximately 400 sessions per month. Services will be available Monday through Friday at Northeastern and weekly on Tuesdays at Harvard, with extended evening hours to accommodate student schedules.
The initiative builds on the Ruderman Family Foundation’s longstanding support of advancing mental health programs in educational settings. The foundation partners with the Chaplaincy Innovation Lab at Brandeis University to provide mental health training to spiritual-care providers and mental health counselors on college campuses, established the Ruderman Family Foundation Fellowship for Campus Behavioral Health at William James College and collaborated with Boston University to develop best practices for campus leave-of-absence policies.
For more information about the Student Wellness Program visit www.studentwellnessprogram.org.
