HOUSTON, TX (July 16, 2025) — The Division of Student Affairs is excited to announce the official launch of our new AI Wellness Coach, Wayhaven, that’s now live on the CoogsCARE website.
Wayhaven is part of the university’s continued commitment to supporting mental health and holistic wellness. Sitting as an interactive chatbot, Wayhaven is available 24/7 to support students in navigating the everyday challenges of college life—from stress management and healthy habits to academic skills like time management and focus. Students can also download the free Wayhaven app by scanning the QR code provided here:
The app allows students to sign in easily using their CougarNet account information and identification. Students will have the opportunity to select from four unique AI wellness coach profiles based on their personal preferences, including Coach Marcella, who is currently assigned to the CoogsCARE site.
“Wayhaven combines decades of well-being research with campus-specific knowledge in a friendly, conversational app that guides students through the challenges of college life — all available 24/7.”
Built by leading technologists from top universities and grounded in evidence-based research, Wayhaven is not just a chatbot—it is a scientifically informed support system designed with student wellness in mind. The AI coaches offer guidance in:
- Managing stress and emotional health
- Building and maintaining healthy habits
- Navigating relationships and social dynamics
- Improving study skills like time management and focus
- Connecting students to campus resources
It is important to note that Coach Marcella and the Wayhaven AI Coaches are not real people and are not substitutes for professional mental health clinicians like we have at CAPS. They are designed for everyday support and a bridge to care. We know that students—and society at large—are already engaging with AI in many ways. Part of our responsibility is to guide them toward safer, more effective tools like Wayhaven as that bridge.
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call CAPS crisis support 24/7 at 713-743-5454, or for the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline call or text 988, or chat online at 988 Lifeline Chat and Text.
Help Spread the Word
We encourage faculty, staff, and students to explore and promote this powerful new resource. This is a significant step forward in creating a culture of wellbeing at UH, and we want every Cougar to know that support is just a click—or conversation—away. To try Coach Marcella now, visit: CoogsCARE.
About Wayhaven
Wayhaven is an AI-powered wellness platform that brings together decades of research in mental and emotional health with innovative technology. Designed to support students at every stage of their academic journey, Wayhaven is accessible, compassionate, and evidence-based.
Written by Germaine Washington, Director of Marketing & Communications – Student Affairs