Rev. Brian J. Shanley, O.P. President | St. John's University website

St. John’s University has been named to The Princeton Review’s 2026 Mental Health Services for Students Honor Roll, recognizing its commitment to student wellness. The honor roll, now in its second year, is part of a national initiative in partnership with the Ruderman Family Foundation. Only 30 colleges were selected from hundreds evaluated nationwide for their dedication to student mental health and well-being.

The recognition comes after significant changes within St. John’s Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) following the COVID-19 pandemic. Luis G. Manzo, Ph.D., ABPP, Assistant Vice President of Student Wellness, and Juan Suarez, Psy.D., Staff Psychologist, led efforts to stabilize and rebuild CAPS during a period when campus staff was limited.

“Being selected for the Student Honor Roll reflects the University’s commitment to addressing mental health needs among our students,” Dr. Manzo said. “This recognition shows that when we focus on the wellness issues that require attention, we can make a real difference at St. John’s. It reflects the hard work of the staff, particularly Counseling and Psychological Services.”

In late 2022, Pegah Eftekharzadeh, Ph.D., Associate Director of Operations and Administration, and Evelyn Crespo, LCSW, Associate Director of Clinical Services, joined CAPS. Since then, the center has expanded to include a multilingual team consisting of five psychologists, five mental health counselors, two clinical social workers, and an administrative coordinator.

Additional services have been introduced at CAPS such as a dedicated counselor for the School of Law and two full-time sport psychology clinicians serving student-athletes from Carnesecca Arena offices.

The selection process for the honor roll involved a panel of higher education mental health experts who developed survey questions for school administrators. More than 500 four-year colleges responded; only those showing strong commitment to student mental health were included on the list.

The Princeton Review highlighted St. John’s comprehensive services and peer-to-peer resources such as E.P.I.C., a mentoring program for first-year students; Project AIM for international students; and R.I.S.E., which connects new students with upper-level mentors.

Other university programs supporting student wellness include resources addressing financial insecurity and substance use through the Office of Wellness Education and Prevention Services. The SOAR Office works on preventing sexual assault and relationship violence.

St. John’s also partners with Northwell Health’s Rapid Virtual Care program to provide free telehealth options when Student Health Services is closed. Support is available for veterans through the Veterans Success Center and for students with special needs via Student Accessibility Services.

“We are keenly aware of the struggles many students face in college, from high stress and anxiety issues to social and academic challenges,” said Rob Franek, Editor-in-Chief at The Princeton Review. “We hope our project can increase the services for students in need and raise awareness and support for the colleges and health professionals dedicated to these programs.”