A one-day training initiative offered by Texas A&M University-San Antonio is empowering educators and administrative staff across schools and colleges with essential first-aid skills tailored for mental health emergencies.
This training is especially critical in the current climate as an increasing number of children and young adults find themselves grappling with heightened anxiety, stress, and depression, underlining the urgent need for mental health resources in educational settings.
“We really believe that this is a skill set for everybody,” emphasized Stephen Lenz, the program’s director and a professor of clinical mental health counseling at the university. “This is a skill set that acts as a protective factor for your community, benefiting as many individuals as possible.”
A&M-San Antonio offers two distinct types of mental health training: one specifically designed for K-12 educators and another catering to staff in higher education institutions.
Lenz noted that many faculty members have already participated in the training. “We’ve been able to train folks in these critical areas that many students traverse during their academic journey. For instance, we’ve provided training for our Residence Life advisors,” he explained. “Additionally, we’ve collaborated with teams in admissions offices and those who support our career services and academic advising efforts.”
The program, known as the South Bexar County Mental Health Awareness Project, focuses on training staff who have direct interactions with students—from bus drivers to academic advisors—on the South Side of San Antonio, which is home to the university. A&M-San Antonio is committed to several initiatives aimed at mitigating longstanding inequities in health care access in the region.
Lenz underscored that the training program equips participants to identify the early signs and symptoms of mental illnesses, along with indicators of substance abuse.
“We cover issues that may signify an immediate crisis or could eventually escalate into a crisis, alongside understanding typical student development and experiences,” Lenz detailed.
Subsequently, the training session guides participants on appropriate responses upon recognizing these early signs, utilizing case studies and simulations to enhance their practical understanding. “Offer that listening ear, provide accurate information and reassurance, and assist them in connecting to available support networks,” Lenz advised.
One of the paramount objectives of this training is to cultivate a sufficient pool of trained individuals capable of recognizing mental health concerns early, thereby assisting students in crisis before they reach a point of contemplating suicide.
“It’s about elevating critical awareness levels within the community—across multiple individuals and within the environments where they engage,” Lenz highlighted. “It’s equally about empowering our participants to take decisive actions, essentially reaching out for support.”
The core philosophy of mental health first aid is to enable individuals to offer necessary information and reassurance, facilitating connections to professional help when needed.
Currently in its second year of a three-year program, the initiative aims to train at least 300 individuals annually, with aspirations to further integrate this training into the university’s curriculum and staff development protocols.
“We’re continually seeking partnerships that would allow us to extend the lifespan of this program, thereby enhancing its overall impact,” Lenz noted.
According to a national survey conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, four in ten high school students reported enduring feelings of sadness or hopelessness in 2023, with two in ten seriously contemplating suicide.
Data from an annual nationwide survey revealed that over 40% of college students displayed symptoms of depression in 2023, with nearly 15% having severe thoughts of suicide.
The University of Texas at San Antonio has intensified its mental health support initiatives following the tragic loss of a doctoral student, suspected to be a suicide case, prompting the university to hold a campus-wide Day of Reflection.
If you or someone you know is in crisis, call or text 988.
What is the impact of mental health first-aid training on educators and administrators at Texas A&M University-San Antonio in supporting student well-being?
**Interview with Stephen Lenz, Director of the South Bexar County Mental Health Awareness Project at Texas A&M University-San Antonio**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Stephen. Can you tell us about the mental health first-aid training initiative at Texas A&M University-San Antonio and what prompted its development?
**Stephen Lenz:** Thank you for having me. The mental health first-aid training initiative is designed to empower educators and administrative staff with essential skills to respond effectively to mental health emergencies. Given the rising levels of anxiety, stress, and depression among students today, we recognized a critical need for mental health resources in educational settings. Our training equips individuals to identify early signs of distress and provide immediate support until professional help can be accessed.
**Interviewer:** That’s incredibly important work, especially in today’s climate. What types of training does A&M-San Antonio offer, and who is it aimed at?
**Stephen Lenz:** We offer two main types of training: one specifically tailored for K-12 educators and another designed for staff in higher education institutions. This approach ensures that we address the distinct needs of different educational environments. We’ve already trained a variety of faculty members, including Residence Life advisors and staff from admissions and career services, to equip them with the skills they need to support students effectively.
**Interviewer:** What are some specific skills or topics covered in this training?
**Stephen Lenz:** Participants learn to recognize the early signs and symptoms of mental illness and substance abuse. We discuss issues that might indicate an immediate crisis and develop understanding of typical student development. The training also covers appropriate responses when these signs are identified, using case studies and simulations to enhance practical understanding. This includes listening support, providing accurate information, and connecting individuals with the right resources.
**Interviewer:** It sounds like a comprehensive program. What do you hope to achieve with this initiative in the community?
**Stephen Lenz:** Our primary objective is to cultivate a pool of trained individuals who can recognize and respond to mental health challenges effectively. We believe this skill set is for everyone and serves as a protective factor for the community. By educating those who have direct interactions with students—from bus drivers to academic advisors—we aim to create a supportive environment that can help mitigate longstanding inequities in mental health access and promote overall well-being.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Stephen, for sharing this vital information. It’s clear that training educators and staff in mental health first aid is a significant step forward in supporting our students.
**Stephen Lenz:** Thank you for highlighting this essential initiative. Together, we can make a real difference in our community.
