Not Just Coping—Connecting: The Saving Space Approach

Saving Space: A New Approach to Mental Health for College Men

College can be a time of growth, excitement, and opportunity—but for many young men, it can also be a time of stress, isolation, and emotional struggle. Mental health challenges among male college students are increasingly recognized as a public health issue, yet many students still fall through the cracks. At Saving Space, we’re working to change that. Co-Founders Jabari Knox and Daniel Joseph M.Ed.,LMHC came together with the understanding that solving the mental health issues faced by young men in college will take an approach that is culturally informed, community based, and clinically resourced.

The Challenge We're Facing

Although mental health awareness has grown on college campuses, rates of depression, anxiety, and suicide among male students remain alarmingly high. Nationally, suicide is now one of the leading causes of death among young men—a signal that we’re not doing enough.

Even when mental health services are available, many students don’t access them. Recent research shows that only about a third of male students seek out mental health support on or off campus. Stigma, lack of representation, and a perceived disconnect between students and existing services all contribute to the gap.

The consequences are serious: untreated mental health conditions can hinder academic performance, lower retention and graduation rates, and impact a student’s overall well-being.

At Saving Space we recognize the implications of this new mental health challenge and what it says about gaps that exist in traditional supports.

Why Traditional Support Isn’t Always Enough

Most universities offer a range of mental health services—individual and group counseling, crisis intervention, workshops, and peer support. But these services don’t always meet the unique needs of male students, especially those facing cultural, social, or personal barriers to care.

Many young men experience pressure to appear strong, self-reliant, or unaffected—even when they are struggling internally. These expectations can lead to isolation and a reluctance to seek help. On top of this, campus environments can sometimes feel unwelcoming or alienating, further discouraging students from reaching out.

The Saving Space model is not crafted as a one size fit all solution that forces conformity. It recognizes diversity of thought, lived experience, and ability; creating a space on each of our partner campuses uniquely tailored to suit the needs of our co-horts.

Our Solution: Space to Be Seen, Heard, and Supported

Saving Space exists to create something different: peer-led, identity-informed spaces that allow college men to explore their mental health in an environment that feels safe, nonjudgmental, and empowering.

Our model includes bi-weekly healing circles facilitated by trained professionals, scholarship support for mental health advocates, and partnerships with colleges and campus counseling centers. These services aren’t just about coping—they’re about connection, community, and long-term well-being.

The benefits of this approach are clear. Students who participate in culturally aware and peer-informed mental health programs report higher levels of trust, openness, and resilience. One national study found that students who engaged in relevant mental health care were significantly more likely to persist through college and graduate.

Why This Work Matters

Young men deserve support that sees them as whole people—not just as statistics, symbols, or stereotypes. When mental health care is rooted in empathy, community, and cultural awareness, it becomes more than treatment—it becomes a catalyst for change.

At Saving Space, our goal is to meet students where they are and walk alongside them toward where they want to be. We're not just addressing symptoms—we're building belonging, reducing stigma, and creating sustainable solutions for student mental health.

This is only the beginning. Future posts will explore student experiences, highlight program success stories, and offer deeper insight into how we can build more supportive college environments for everyone. We hope you’ll follow along—and join us in making space for healing.