The Stressbusters outreach program and its companion app are among the most popular and engaging wellness resources for college campuses. Stressbusters dramatically reduces mental health risk factors by training teams of students to be free 5-minute backrub providers and campus mental health ambassadors at magnetic events all year long.

Stressbusters is tested, flexible and aligns with American Foundation For Suicide Prevention recommendations. Watch this brief Stressbusters video to learn more about why students and staff love the Stressbusters program and app.

Stressbusters Makes a Big Difference

Assessment of the impact of the Stressbusters ground program shows significant risk factor reductions. In one campus study of 1,100 students and staff, participants’ overall stress scores dropped 40% after their Stressbusters experience. Significant decreases in frustration, worry and overwhelmed feelings were found, while increased ability to cope with stress and complete tasks were reported. For 30 years, Stressbusters has helped and trained more than 500,000 students and staff off-line and on. Read the full summary of program assessment findings.

Here’s what students, staff and faculty say about Stressbusters

“The interest and enthusiasm for Stressbusters at Johns Hopkins has been remarkable and it has really helped to enhance the visibility of our office. Jordan Friedman's guidance has been invaluable since he is so familiar with the program and provides all of the necessary start-up tools. Stressbusters has been a win-win all the way around and I highly recommend that other schools implement the program."

-Barbara Schubert, Director of Health Education, Johns Hopkins University

“It was incredible. The energy in the room afterward was so much lighter, happier, healthier... I just can’t say enough good things about Stressbusters.”

"That was the kindest thing anyone's done for me all week."

“I was a student at NYU and I LOVED the stressbusters program. Everybody wanted to either volunteer to give back rubs or, mostly, get one ...especially at the times of exams when you really need to relax. It was a great way to reach out for stressed students and provide a touch of companionship.”

"I love Stressbusters. Even though it’s only a 5-7 minutes backrub, it makes a big difference in my week. Thank you so much for offering the program – please keep it going! I think it was a good way for me, a freshman, to find out about a lot of health related issues and resources.”

“My students’ grades were stellar and I believe that your Stressbusters team contributed to their success because they went into their exams relaxed and rejuvenated.”

“The Stressbusters were wonderful. The experience they provided to our students was unbelievable. I cannot thank you enough!

"I can make it week to week knowing that Stressbusters are around."

"This is my first time at this event and I’m glad stressbusters are here. I feel relaxed and more confident for the first time on campus. Thanks!"

"It’s a no-brainer—every school should have Stressbusters!”

  • Stressbusters events are always held in public spaces with many attendees present. Volunteers explain the touch they provide, and are required to get consent to provide that touch prior to the start of the backrub.

    Additionally, participants can request same-gender back rub providers—and Stressbusters events include no-touch activities—to support participants’ feelings of safety and comfort.

    In the program’s 30-year history interacting with an estimated 500,000 participants, no unwanted touching has been witnessed or reported.

  • No. Students are not paid to be Stressbusters, and the backrubs are free.

  • Stressbusters Ground and Air can be part of health promotion, health services, counseling, residential life, a recreation center, athletics, student government and/or other departments and groups.

  • The program can be equally successful and beneficial at schools with large to small student populations, at public and private institutions, in rural and urban communities, etc.

    Stressbusters is designed to be flexible to accommodate campus size, organization and other factors. A key to the program’s success is an engaged group of student volunteers—even small in number. These students can and will change during a school year and over time.

  • Yes, both are made to work together or solo. See the Apps section here on site for more information.

  • Stressbusters ground programs take 2-3 months to develop. The major phases of the program’s development include:

    Customizing and establishing an operational structure for the program

    Training student coordinators and staff to manage the program

    Recruiting and training student Stressbusters

    Launching and marketing the program on campus

FAQs about Stressbusters

Stressbusters in the news

Harvard Gazette: Stressbusters Helps to Lessen Pressures of College Life

UA Daily Wildcat: Reducing Stress One Student at a time

Mental Health In College: What Research Tells Us About Supporting Students (Stressbusters is featured in this 2026 book from Harvard Education Press)