Western New England University’s Dr. Jason Seacat, associate dean of Arts & Sciences and professor of psychology, was recently featured in University Business for his insights on reducing mental health stigma among college students. The article, titled Combatting Mental Health Stigma Among College Students, highlights the growing mental health challenges on college campuses and practical strategies to create a more supportive environment.
In the article, Dr. Seacat emphasizes the importance of open dialogue and proactive community engagement in reducing stigma. He spotlights Western New England University’s partnership with the Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) program as a key strategy in addressing student mental health needs. Through this initiative, WNE has trained faculty, staff, students, and family members to recognize signs of mental distress, provide initial support, and refer individuals to appropriate resources.
The MHFA program at WNE has seen impressive success, with 348 community members certified in 2023 alone. By training a diverse network of campus stakeholders—such as residential advisors (RAs), campus security officers, faculty, and student leaders—the program ensures multiple access points for mental health support. This approach increases the likelihood that students will feel seen and cared for while reducing the stigma of seeking help.
Plans for expanding the MHFA program are already underway. Future efforts will focus on integrating mental health training into onboarding processes for key campus roles, creating a sustainable, low-cost initiative that strengthens the campus community and provides ongoing mental health support.
"By training a wide range of campus community members, we create a safety net that surrounds our students with compassionate support," Seacat explained. "It’s about making mental health a shared responsibility."
The University Business article highlights national trends in student mental health and offers WNE’s MHFA program as a model for universities seeking innovative ways to reduce stigma and improve student well-being.
To learn more about his work Dr. Seacat’s can be contacted at jason.seacat@wne.edu. For more information about WNE’s mental health resources, call 413-782-1211 or email counseling.services@wne.edu.
