SLU Approaches Final Phase of JED Campus Partnership
Saint Louis University is approaching the finish line on its four-year partnership with the Jed Foundation (JED) focused on mental health, substance misuse, and suicide prevention. As SLU enters the final year, the University transitions from implementation to evaluation and sustainability.
JED Campus Initiative Timeline
- Year One (2022–2023): SLU launched the initiative with baseline assessments, including administering the Healthy Minds Study and completing a self-assessment in collaboration with JED. That data informed development of a strategic plan.
- Years Two and Three (2023–2025): The focus shifted to implementing the strategic plan. SLU received ongoing technical assistance from JED, adopted a “playbook” framework, and continuously tracked progress.
- Upcoming: Evaluation and Sustainability (Fall 2025 – Spring 2026): SLU will launch a follow-up Healthy Minds Study survey, complete a post-assessment, and receive a summary analysis from JED. From there, the University will formalize goals for long-term sustainability and join the JED Campus Alumni cohort.
Progress in 2025
- Mindfulness Training: The Mindfulness Institute for Emerging Adults (MIEA) mindfulness training teaches participants various breathing techniques, visualization and mindfulness practices to reduce stress and quiet the mind.
- WellSPACE and Sacred Spaces: SLU created additional WellSPACE locations that provide students with a designated space for self-care while recognizing that the path to wellness may look different for each student. Spaces support holistic wellness through gardening, art, music, mindfulness, relaxation and more. Additionally, SLU conducted an audit of the sacred spaces on our north, south, and law campuses, and have added photos and locations to the Campus Ministry website to ensure students are aware of these spaces.
- University Counseling Center Groups: The growing interest in group therapy highlights its value in supporting students and normalizing psychotherapy. This past year, SLU introduced groups addressing social-political tensions and supporting specific communities, such as fraternities and sororities, alongside ongoing offerings like the collegiate recovery community, men’s support group, and Dinner with Friends You Haven’t Met Yet for building connections and reducing social anxiety.
- TimelyCare Virtual Therapy Partner: SLU officially launched its partnership with TimelyCare. The partnership with TimelyCare allows us to deliver
a hybrid model of care in collaboration with on-campus resources. Benefits to students
include: Convenient 24/7 care, reduced wait times, and a diverse provider network
when they are away from campus. Students can connect on their phone or other device
and select from a wide-ranging menu of virtual care options from licensed counselors
in all 50 states, including:
- Appointment-based mental health counseling
- Care navigation
- Peer support community
- Digital self-care content
- Psychological Services Center (PSC) Partnership: Through a partnership with our Psychological Services Center, SLU students have received a total of 331 therapy sessions and nearly 30 psychological evaluations, leading to reduced anxiety, depression, PTSD, and substance use, and improved relationships and overall mental health functioning.
- Community Wellness Advocates: Community Wellness Advocates are peer connectors engaging the student community by coordinating events with student organizations and offering wellness-related education.
- Collaborated with SSM Behavioral Urgent Care as a referral source for students experiencing a mental health crisis, ensuring smooth coordination of care and access to necessary resources.
- Participated in Reducing Access to Lethal Means Community of Practice hosted by The Jed Foundation (JED) to review our suicide prevention strategies.
Next Steps
With the formal implementation nearing its end, SLU will enter the evaluation phase (Fall 2025). We will re-administer the Healthy Minds Study to all students and complete the JED post-assessment. JED will then prepare a final summary analysis of SLU’s progress.
Following the evaluation, in Spring 2026, SLU will launch its JED sustainability plan. That includes:
- JED offers guidance on continuing the work of SLU’s JED team
- The team sets goals for future growth and improvement
- SLU joins JED Campus Alumni in fall 2026
The intent is for these efforts to outlast the formal “JED Campus” timeline — becoming integral to SLU’s long-term commitment to student mental health and overall well-being.