At Butler, caring for students extends well beyond the classroom. This fall, the University has introduced a new partnership with Wayhaven, an innovative platform that provides students with 24/7 access to confidential, AI-powered well-being coaches. The tool is designed to complement Butler’s existing services, providing students with an additional way to access care whenever and wherever they need it.

For Dr. Bridget Yuhas, Executive Director of Strategy, Assessment, & Operations in Student Affairs, the partnership is about removing barriers and offering flexible support.

“College is an incredible time of growth, but it’s not without challenges,” Yuhas said. “We know students may hesitate to reach out in moments of stress, or they may need support late at night when our offices aren’t open. Wayhaven gives them a safe, immediate, and campus-specific resource that’s always available.”

Wayhaven is built on evidence-informed best practices and strategies to support student well-being. Students can use the platform to reflect on their feelings, build resilience, and access strategies for managing stress. Importantly, the tool integrates with Butler’s ecosystem, helping connect students directly to counseling, peer programs, and other resources tailored to the Butler experience. In addition to helping students navigate well-being resources, Wayhaven also connects students with organizations or upcoming events that match their interests—further increasing student engagement and facilitating a sense of belonging on campus.

Nii Abrahams, Senior Director for Student Experience & Engagement, said that this layered approach reflects Butler’s holistic philosophy of student care.

“No two students experience college in exactly the same way,” Abrahams explained. “Some feel most comfortable connecting face-to-face, while others prefer starting with a more private option. By pairing our traditional services with innovative tools like Wayhaven, we make sure every student has a pathway to care that works for them.”

Students who have already used the platform are finding value in its approach. One student shared, “I really liked how it took in what I was saying and gave feedback that felt real. Sometimes apps will just tell you to breathe, but this one made me think about what I was feeling and how to move forward.” Another noted, “It was nice to have the confidentiality aspect—that I wasn’t being vulnerable with a person or being judged.”

For Butler, the launch of Wayhaven strengthens the University’s BU|BeWell framework and reaffirms its commitment to student success. By expanding access to care and reducing barriers to seeking help, Butler is continuing to build a community where students can thrive—mind, body, and spirit.

“Wayhaven isn’t meant to replace the relationships we build through our counseling center, faculty, and staff,” Yuhas added. “But it does give students another entry point to care—one that’s flexible, responsive, and truly integrated with the Butler experience.”

Download the Wayhaven app from the App Store or Google Play and sign up with your Butler email, or visit wayhaven.app.