Mental Health First Aid Training Expands to Strengthen Campus Well-Being

As mental health concerns among college students continue to rise, Montclair State University is taking a proactive approach through Mental Health First Aid training. The program equips participants with the skills to recognize and respond to mental health challenges, including anxiety, depression, substance abuse and crisis situations.

The eight-hour, in-person training certifies participants for three years and has already made a significant impact. Since its launch, Montclair has certified more than 1,500 members of the campus community.

“Mental Health First Aid helps people develop the skills to notice signs and symptoms of common mental health issues and challenges,” explains Jude M. Uy, a staff psychologist and coordinator of prevention and wellness programming. “What we find is that individuals who go through the training actually report better mental health themselves.”

The next in-person trainings are:

• STUDENTS: Friday, February 21, 2025
• FACULTY/STAFF: Monday-Friday during the week of Spring Break (March 10 to March 15, 2025)

Training is for one day, from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Class size is limited to the first 30 who register.

Mental Health First Aid was developed in Australia to provide practical mental health training, similar to traditional first-aid for physical health. Over the past 25 years, it has expanded worldwide. Montclair introduced the program in 2022 through a grant and continues to fund training through Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS).

Montclair’s faculty and staff are encouraged to take the training as they often interact with students experiencing distress. Those who have completed the program report they are better able to recognize signs of mental health struggles in their classrooms and to direct students to the support they need.

“The feedback from faculty has been overwhelmingly positive,” says Associate Director of Counseling and Psychological Services Melissa Zarin. “They’re catching things earlier and directing students to the right resources.”

One of the key strengths of the course was how it helped to destigmatize the idea that you can’t ask people how they’re doing or express concern for their well-being because it might feel unsolicited or like you’re prying into someone’s personal business. The course emphasized that checking in on others is important, and that it’s okay to ask direct questions when you’re concerned, even if someone hasn’t shown obvious signs of struggling.

Addressing a Growing Need

Nationwide, anxiety and depression remain the most common mental health concerns among college students. Montclair is no exception. However, in the wake of COVID-19, counselors have observed new patterns in student mental health.

“Since the pandemic, we’re seeing an increase in social anxiety and students thinking they have ADHD, though it’s often a byproduct of other factors,” Zarin says. “We also continue to see cases of eating disorders, substance abuse, family issues, academic stress, and psychosis.”

In addition to Counseling and Psychological Services, the University offers a range of support services through various offices, including the Office of Health Promotion and the Office of Student Belonging, which includes group therapy, peer counseling, telehealth, prevention and wellness events and pet therapy. These services are intended to offer targeted support for vulnerable student groups who, according to research, may need additional resources to fully engage in college life. Recent initiatives include Nap Pods, Zen Dens and Sensory Spaces. Additionally, with a new $3 million grant, the University is integrating counseling services into internship programs.

Cultural Considerations: Breaking the Stigma

One of the challenges Mental Health First Aid addresses is mental health stigma across different cultures. In some communities, seeking professional help is discouraged, and individuals may turn to family or religious leaders instead.

“For some cultures, discussing mental health issues outside the family is considered disgraceful,” explains Uy. “That’s the beauty of Mental Health First Aid – it empowers our community to support one another in ways that feel appropriate and effective.”

With Montclair’s diverse student population, understanding these cultural differences is key to ensuring that all students feel seen, supported and connected to the right resources.

“Our goal is to create an active bystander campus – a place where students and faculty don’t ignore signs of distress but instead take action,” says Zarin. “Mental Health First Aid gives people the tools to do that.”

Find more information and training registration at Mental Health First Aid.

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