University of North Georgia students suffering from anxiety, stress and other mental health issues now have access to a host of new support services thanks to a new initiative called “Nigel Cares” launched by UNG last week.

According to a UNG press release, the new program will give all students at the university 24/7 access to a mental health support line, up to five sessions of telehealth or in-person treatment sessions by licensed mental health clinicians and virtual psychiatric clinics for assessment and medication management, as well as several other features. 

"We have seen students' remarkable resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic, and we are taking these steps to enhance our mental health services and support their continued success,” Dr. Simon Cordery, director of Student Counseling at UNG said in the release.

The new program is part of a larger University System of Georga Mental Health Initiative, backed by $11.5 million in emergency education relief funding, the release said.  

The new services will complement existing programs offered by UNG, which include individual and group therapy and counseling, suicide prevention and education, problem-solving and time management skills building.