Chico State was nationally recognized for its mental health and counselling programs last week.

The campus earned the Jed Foundation’s “seal of approval” on January 23, said Sarah Langford, a Chico State spokesperson.

The Jed Foundation is a non-profit organization that works to improve emotional health among students nationally, according to its website.

Universities were evaluated through an online survey reviewing their counseling programs, Langford said. Campuses that the foundation felt best fit their goals were awarded.

The Wildcat Fit Program, for example, pairs participants with volunteers who help with exercise, and the Counselling and Wellness Center that offers free group or individual therapy sessions to students are initiatives.

These programs helped earn the university this recognition, she said.

“The campus recognizes the connection between positive mental health and the success of students,” Langford said. “We’re doing everything we can to meet those needs, it’s our priority.”

The foundation awarded the seal to 30 universities nationally this year, according to its website.

Nathan Lehmann can be reached at [email protected] or @theorion_news on Twitter.