Peer Mental Health Coaching – On-Demand Training

Create a Comprehensive Model that Fosters the Health, Wellness & Resilience of Students

Peer mental health programs are emerging as one of the most effective, scalable, cost-effective solutions to the current mental health crisis on college campuses across the nation. When trained peer mental health ambassadors serve as the first point of connection, students gain a low barrier, relatable, and stigma reducing pathway to support that complements and strengthens the work of campus mental health professionals.

Join us when two expert practitioners will share how they built AWARE (Awareness Wellness Ambassadors Reaching Everyone), a thriving peer mental health coaching program that is transforming students in need of support, strengthening campus belonging, and freeing counseling centers to focus on higher acuity clinical needs. You’ll learn how their model gives students an accessible, relatable, and relevant way to receive guidance, and build confidence in navigating campus resources while increasing persistence, well being, and academic success.

You’ll be able to explore creative ways you can incorporate peer mental health coaching into your institution’s mission and adapt these practical approaches to student development for your campus’ needs.  

Topics Covered

Gain crucial, actionable takeaways that will help you:

• Build the essential framework for a sustainable peer mental health coaching program, including recruitment, selection, training, supervision, and effective peer to student matching.
• Analyze the current national mental health trends to create actionable strategies that allow students to receive timely support before concerns escalate or they stop out.
• Design outreach initiatives that resonate with today’s students, using real student feedback to shape programming that addresses the impact of loneliness and isolation through a comprehensive peer mental health program.
• Strengthen campus belonging and reduce isolation by equipping peers to recognize loneliness, initiate connection, and create support systems across campus.
• Reduce stigma and normalize help seeking through a peer led model that meets students where they are and encourages earlier engagement with professional services when needed.

Presenters

Dr. Ebony Okafor is the Associate Director of Outreach and Consultation at the University of Florida’s Counseling and Wellness Center and is a Clinical Assistant Professor. She oversees and supervises student ambassadors and workers in the AWARE program, guiding their development, strengthening their outreach skills, and ensuring they confidently support campus mental health initiatives. Click here for full bio.

Dr. Gabrielle Agnew is currently serving as the Outreach/AWARE Coordinator and Clinical Assistant Professor at the University of Florida Counseling and Wellness Center. Click here for full bio.