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Resources for Faculty and Staff

Mental Health Support for Faculty and Staff

Read the "Faculty Guide to Supporting
Student Mental Health" here!

 

**Mental Health Training for Faculty and Staff**

Through he Mental Health Initiative, the University System of Georgia is providing mental health trainings that could be critically important for faculty and staff as they work with the increasing number of students with mental health issues.

Did you know...

  • Nearly 40% of college students have symptoms of depression that impact their performance.
  • More than 1000 suicides occur on U.S. college campuses each year.  Veteran and LGBTQ+ students are the highest risks.
  • Depressed and anxious students are more likely to be absent, take semesters off, or drop out.
  • 25% of students who drop out with a GPA below 3.0 have a mental illness.
  • Only 40% of students with a mental illness seek help.
  • A mentally healthy campus is a safer campus.

Two online trainings are currently being offered:

1.  QPR is a "Gatekeeper Training" and stands for Question, Persuade, and Refer.  QPR is designed to help you recognize someone who may be considering suicide and consists of 3 life-saving skills.

  • QUESTION...the person about suicide,
  • PERSUADE...the person to get help, and,
  • REFER...the person so the appropriate resource.

QPR training is a free suicide prevention training that takes about an hour to complete.

2.  Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training is a more comprehensive training and takes about 8 hours to complete.  MHFA teaches people how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental illness and substance use.  Staff and faculty who attend the training will be able to identify the risk factors and warning signs of mental health problems, learn strategies to help a student who is developing a mental health problem or is in crisis, and learn how to reach out and offer resources of where to turn for help.

To sign up for the trainings, faculty and staff can register here:  

https://usgsurveys.usg.edu/zs/3vCCT7

Consultation Services

Counseling and Psychological Services staff is available to offer consultation to students, staff, and faculty to discuss students who are experiencing difficulties.

Although not all inclusive, the following questions may point out a few instances and reasons for faculty and staff to consult with staff in the Counseling Center:

  • Are you concerned about a student's mental health?
  • Have you found a particular student to be intimidating?
  • Do you encounter student opposition and disruption in the classroom?
  • Are other students intimidated by another student's behavior?
  • Have you ever been concerned that a student might hurt him/herself or someone else?
  • Have you been or are you concerned about student aggression? Staff members at the Counseling Center would be pleased to help you:
    • Assess the situation, its seriousness, and potential for referral.
    • Learn about resources, both on-and off-campus, so that you can suggest the most appropriate help available when talking with the student.
    • Find the best way to make a referral, if appropriate.
    • Clarify your own feelings about the student and consider the ways you can be most effective.

If you have questions about our services and/or you want to consult with us about a student, please call us at (678) 466-5406.

This resource is not intended for crisis/emergency situations. Should you require assistance with a student who is in a crisis/emergency situation, please contact us directly at (678) 466-5406 during university business hours. After hours please contact Public Safety at (678) 466-4050.

For more information, please call (678) 466-5406.

Sign up for Mental Health First Aid or Question, Persuade, Refer

Consultation - Faculty as a Helping Resource - How to make a Referral