Bluffton University has been awarded a $52,300 grant from the Ohio Department of Higher Education’s Mental Health Support Funding Program.

The grant will support a part-time, in-person mental health counselor position for a 2-year period. The planning for this position has already begun. The counselor will be responsible for providing in-person services to students such as individual counseling, couples counseling, group counseling, education and prevention, outreach, and consultation.

“We recognize that positive mental health is critical to supporting student success, development and growth,” said Mark Bourassa, dean of students. “We are excited for our students to have access to these additional resources in supporting their mental health and wellness.” 

The funding will increase care options on campus and remove barriers to care by providing on-campus services to Bluffton students who prefer in-person counseling.

This grant will also fund two mental-health-focused events on campus each semester.

Bluffton University also provides telehealth counseling options for all students, faculty, and staff with 24-hour access to crisis counseling and seven-day-a-week access to counseling therapy and life coaching services.