Indianapolis, Indiana – The University of Indianapolis has taken a bold step in advancing student mental health by opening what is believed to be the first Biofeedback & Meditation Center (BMC) of its kind in the nation. The facility, housed within the UIndy Health Pavilion, blends cutting-edge technology with traditional meditation practices to give students tools not only to relax in the moment but to learn lifelong stress management techniques.
The BMC incorporates a unique combination of meditation coaching provided by trained clinicians, patented heated lava rock beds, and real-time physiological feedback equipment that allows students to monitor and understand their body’s responses to stress. The goal is to foster resilience, teaching students how to regulate their emotions and physiological responses in ways that extend far beyond the university experience.
“I am so excited about this pioneering opportunity because it is a huge advance in our mission to provide holistic wellness for our campus community,” said Dr. Kelly Miller, psychologist and director of the Student Counseling Center. “Combining scientific technology with the ancient art of mindfulness empowers students to discover for themselves the mind-body connection and the control they can have in better managing physical and emotional reactions. For many, this is a transformative experience for life.”
The center is the culmination of two years of planning and development by Miller, who drew inspiration from multiple visits to Urban Meditation’s Indianapolis studio. Impressed with the results, she envisioned a space that could replicate the studio’s setup while tailoring it to meet the unique needs of a university population. The result is a state-of-the-art facility unlike anything previously offered at a college campus.
Urban Meditation co-owner Kristy Paul quickly embraced Miller’s vision, donating lava beds, lighting, and much of the meditation equipment that forms the core of the BMC experience. “The combination of meditation and our methods helps you to react differently to stress that can feel overwhelming,” Paul said. “I really do believe that it will help UIndy students overcome adversity and be an additional safe space in the Student Counseling Center for people in distress.”
The project also benefited from support from OneAmerica Financial, a longtime partner in Miller’s work with the Pathways Jr. Fellows summer program. Gifts made in honor of Miller’s contributions to the Fellows program helped fund additional BMC equipment. “OneAmerica Financial is committed to transforming the socio-economic health and well-being of our community,” said De’Niece Harrison-Hudson, OneAmerica Financial’s Community Affairs Director. “We are grateful for Kelly’s tireless efforts to help our Fellows thrive and excited to think how the Biofeedback & Meditation Center will help the UIndy community thrive too.”
A public Open House on September 25 allowed members of the broader community to tour the center and experience its innovative approach firsthand. Participants were able to see the combination of guided meditation sessions, physiological monitoring, and heated lava beds, which together create an immersive environment aimed at reducing stress and enhancing mental clarity.
Beyond immediate stress relief, the BMC is expected to be a hub for research on the effectiveness of combining meditation and biofeedback interventions for college students. Miller and her team aim to document measurable improvements in mental health outcomes, including reductions in anxiety and depression, while also examining potential links to higher student retention and graduation rates.
“UIndy is on the cutting edge of utilizing innovative wellness strategies to improve mental health,” Miller said. “Dreaming big has gotten us where we are today, and I’m so excited to see what the future holds thanks to the continued support of our campus community and partners.”
The Biofeedback & Meditation Center reflects a growing trend among universities to prioritize mental wellness as an integral component of student success. By blending technology with mindfulness practices, UIndy aims to provide students with the skills to cope with academic pressures, personal challenges, and the complexities of life beyond college.
The center’s design encourages students to engage in self-reflection while receiving tangible feedback on their physiological state, allowing them to recognize how stress manifests in their bodies and practice techniques to manage it. From breathing exercises to guided meditation sessions, the BMC offers a comprehensive toolkit for building resilience.
As UIndy continues to champion innovative mental health strategies, the Biofeedback & Meditation Center stands as a model for other universities seeking to support their students in meaningful ways. By combining research, technology, and holistic wellness practices, the facility not only addresses immediate mental health needs but equips students with lifelong tools for managing stress, improving focus, and enhancing overall quality of life.
With ongoing research, community engagement, and continued support from campus partners, the BMC promises to be more than just a place to relax—it is positioned as a transformative resource for students, shaping a healthier, more resilient generation ready to navigate the pressures of modern life.
