World Mental Health Day on October 10 reminds us of College Possible’s commitment to supporting the mental health of AmeriCorps coaches and students we serve. With this year’s theme from the World Health Organization focused on mental health at work, it’s an important time to reflect on how we equip our coaches with the tools they need to thrive emotionally and mentally.
Empowering coaches with mental health training
College Possible’s coaches, many of whom are recent college graduates themselves, experience the unique challenge of mentoring students while managing their own well-being. Through comprehensive mental health trainings, which began during Welcome Weeks and continue throughout the year, we ensure coaches are well-prepared to address the mental health needs of students while maintaining healthy boundaries.
One of the founding components of coach development is the “Supporting Students in Crisis” module, which teaches coaches how to recognize and respond to various types of crises, including academic stress and personal trauma. This equips coaches with the ability to offer immediate assistance while knowing when to connect students with professional mental health resources.
In addition to crisis preparation, College Possible offers a series of mental health workshops throughout the year. One of these, “Strategies for Supporting Students’ Mental Wellness,” was facilitated by trauma-informed mental health strategist Karen Ranus. Conducted in early September, this training provided coaches with best practices for creating spaces for students to feel safe and comfortable while also supporting students through whatever challenges they may face.
Supporting students’ mental health
College Possible coaches are a source of support for the students they serve, often helping them manage the mental health challenges that accompany major life transitions like applying to and starting college or adjusting to new academic pressures. To support students effectively, our coaches are trained to provide both emotional guidance and practical resources.
A key part of our support system is familiarizing coaches with mental health services available at our partner high schools and higher education institutions. Whether it’s a student experiencing stress through the college application process, homesickness, or personal challenges, coaches are prepared to direct them to confidential, professional counseling resources offered at all of our partner schools.
Mental health resources at partner high schools and higher education institutions
- Partner high schools: All of our partner high schools are equipped to support students whether it be from a school counselor, a school social worker, or school psychologist. The counseling teams at our partner high schools provide support in the areas of academics, personal, social-emotional, and college and career readiness.
- College of Saint Mary: Partnering with Uwill, CSM offers tele-mental health services, connecting students with licensed therapists in minutes for help with everyday stressors, crisis situations, or mental health counseling needs.
- Doane University: Offers free therapeutic support for all students, regardless of background, providing accessible counseling both on its residential Crete campus and through services like the Continuum EAP Student Assistance Program for nonresidential students.
- University of Nebraska Omaha: Through its Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS), UNO offers individual counseling, psycho-educational groups, and access to trained victim and survivor advocates. CAPS uses a short-term therapy model but connects students needing long-term support with a broader referral network.
- Wayne State College: Offers free, confidential counseling services for all students, addressing a range of issues from stress management to mental illness. Licensed counselors are available after hours through campus security, and the college provides regular outreach programs like suicide prevention and mental health first aid.
Boundaries and balance for coaches
To avoid burnout, College Possible emphasizes the importance of coaches maintaining a healthy balance between supporting students and taking care of their own mental health. Trainings throughout the year reinforce the need for self-care, reminding coaches that they are not mental health professionals, and guiding them on how to appropriately refer students to the resources available at their schools.
By empowering coaches to manage their own mental wellness, College Possible ensures they can be fully present for students, guiding them through the academic and emotional challenges of navigating the higher education landscape.
Looking ahead
As we observe World Mental Health Day, we reaffirm our commitment to the mental well-being of both our coaches and the students we serve. At College Possible, mental health is not just a conversation for one day, but a year-round priority. Coaches are on the front lines, helping students navigate the emotional challenges of high school and college life, while we continue to provide them with the training and support they need to succeed in their roles.
