Strategies for Supporting Mental Health Among Students of Color

two students, one reading a book and the other on a laptop, sit on a blanket on a green field surrounded by green trees

(Photo Courtesy of the JMU Creative Media Library/opens new window)

New Report Looks at Practical Ways to Support Mental Health of Students of Color, 2021 (PDF /.088 Megabytes)
The Jed Foundation and the Steve Fund took their recommendations around supporting mental health for students of color to 18 campuses. Here's what they learned.

Adapting and Innovating to Promote Mental Health and Emotional Well-Being of Young People of Color: COVID-19 and Beyond, 2020 (PDF /1.27 Megabytes)
Provided by the Steve Fund, this report contains a comprehensive detailed list of recommendations to help higher education institutions alleviate the risks to mental health that have resulted from the COVID-19 pandemic, economic crisis, and racial upheaval.

The Steve Fund (opens new window)
As the only organization in the U.S. devoted to the support of mental health among students of color: The Steve Fund works closely with researchers, young people, and higher education institutions to promote mental health strategies and programs that foster understanding and assistance for young people of color. The Fund offers on-campus services and programs for higher education institutions and can provide direct services to young people of color. They also offer a Knowledge Center and hold a yearly conference series called Young, Gifted & @Risk.

Therapy for Black Girls (opens new window)
Created by licensed psychologist, Dr. Joy Harden Bradford, host of the Therapy for Black Girls podcast, this site is designed to help Black women overcome the stigma associated with therapy and mental health issues by presenting mental health related topics in a more relevant accessible manner.

Equity in Mental Health Framework (opens new window)
The Equity in Mental Health Framework provides colleges and universities with ten recommendations and implementation strategies to help inform and strengthen their mental health support and programs for students of color.

Ayuda En Español (abre una nueva ventana)
Lifeline ofrece 24/7, gratuito servicios en español, no es necesario hablar ingles si usted necesita ayuda. Cuando usted llama al número 1-888-628-9454, su llamada se dirige al centro de ayuda de nuestra red disponible más cercano. Tenemos actualmente 150 centros en la red y usted hablará probablemente con uno situado en su zona. Cada centro funciona en forma independiente y tiene su propio personal calificado.

Cuando el centro contesta su llamada, usted estará hablando con una persona que le escuchará, le hará preguntas y hará todo lo que esté a su alcance para ayudarle.

Specific Information and Resources for Native Populations:

Depression and suicide affect people of all ages and populations, but Native American and Alaskan Native populations can be at a higher risk.

988 Lifeline.org: Native Americans and Alaskan Natives (opens new window)
This link has information and resources for Native American and Alaskan Native populations and to help support loved ones who are Native American or Alaskan Native.

Suicide Prevention Resource Center: American Indian and Alaska Native (opens new window)
This resource links to further materials, programs, trainings, and other information for Native American and Alaskan Native populations.