Education and Prevention Programs

At Counseling and Psychological Services (CaPS), we collaborate with partners across campus to help foster a mentally healthy university community.

We extend our support beyond the walls of our counseling offices by providing outreach, education, prevention, and consultation services that promote student well-being across RIT. Through partnerships with students, faculty, and staff, we help build a campus culture that supports mental health, resilience, and connection.

Our services are designed to increase awareness, reduce stigma, encourage help-seeking, strengthen prevention efforts, and empower all members of the RIT community to play a role in supporting student well-being. We do this through:

 Training Sessions

Counseling and Psychological Services offers presentations and training opportunities for faculty, staff, and student leaders that enhance knowledge, skills, and confidence in supporting student well-being. Sessions can be tailored to meet the needs of your department, team, or organization.

• Counseling and Psychological Services 101: An overview of CaPS services and how to get connected
• Falling Forward: How to bounce back from setbacks and build resilience 
• Infusing Emotional Well-Being into the Classroom Culture: Support for faculty looking to embed holistic well-being in classroom contexts
• Logged In But Checked Out: An overview of gaming and social media addiction in college students
• Mental Health First Aid: Intensive 8-hour skills-based training course for RIT faculty, staff, and students who are interested in making their community healthier, happier, and safe
• Supporting Students in Distress: Guidance for faculty and staff in how to support students in times of emotional distress
• Trends in College Mental Health: An informative overview of national and RIT-specific trends in college student mental health

Request a Program

 Featured Awareness and Prevention Initiatives

Counseling and Psychological Services offers a variety of annual awareness and prevention initiatives that promote mental health and well-being across the RIT community. Through collaboration with campus partners, these initiatives increase awareness, reduce stigma, encourage help-seeking, and strengthen our community's capacity to support one another.

• Heritage Months and Belonging Weeks
  In partnership with the Division of Access, Engagement, and Success, CaPS participates in campus-wide celebrations and educational opportunities that recognize and honor the diverse identities, experiences, and contributions of RIT community members and the broader communities they represent. These efforts listed below promote belonging, connection, inclusion, and cultural awareness while supporting the well-being of our campus community.
  • Hispanic/Latine Heritage Month (Mid-Sept. – Mid-Oct.)
  • Native/Indigenous Heritage Month (Nov.)
  • First-Generation College Student Week (Nov. 3-7)
  • Black Heritage Month (Feb.)
  • Asian, Pacific Islander, and Desi American Heritage Month (Apr.)
    
    Our involvement reflects CaPS’ commitment to culturally responsive care and inclusive community support
    
• National Eating Disorder Awareness Week
  This annual programming increases awareness and understanding of eating disorders, challenges stigma, and promotes body acceptance and self-compassion. Events typically occur in the last week of February in honor of National Eating Disorder Awareness Week and aim to educate the campus community, support those impacted by eating disorders, and create spaces for learning, connection, and hope.
   
• National Suicide Prevention Month
  In collaboration with campus and community partners, CaPS provides a variety of events and programs designed to demonstrate deep care for our students. These initiatives focus on building skills and connections, raising awareness, and educating the community on both risk and protective factors related to suicide. Although specialized programming is highlighted during September for National Suicide Prevention Month, CaPS continues to offer suicide prevention and awareness services throughout the entire year.
  
• Sexual Assault Awareness Month
  Every April, CaPS collaborates with community and campus partners to recognize Sexual Assault Awareness Month, striving to build a safer, more supportive campus environment. Because sexual violence deeply affects well-being and mental health, providing students with essential resources, information, care, and support is a top priority. Targeted education, prevention, and awareness efforts  aim to deepen understanding, reduce stigma, stand with survivors, foster a culture of affirmative consent and respect, and encourage help-seeking behavior promoting healing, connection, and holistic well-being.

 Consultation

Our team of experienced therapists offer dedicated consultation services to faculty, staff, and students. Whether you're looking for guidance on how to support someone facing mental health challenges or need to discuss concerns about a peer, our professionals are here to provide expert guidance and support. We offer a confidential space to explore effective strategies, share resources, and address any questions you might have about fostering a mentally healthier campus.

For more information, contact our Associate Director of Campus Engagement, Kristina Colleluori, at kdwycc@rit.edu.