Mental Health Literacy

Despite expanded mental health services, college students continue to experience high levels of distress with uneven access to and utilization of supports (Marsh & Wilcoxon, 2015; Osborn et al., 2022; Oswalt et al., 2018). In a cross-sectional study, Gorczynski and Sims-Schouten (2024) found that college students with greater Mental Health Literacy are more likely to show self-compassion and seek help, which are two key protective factors against stigma.

In partnership with faculty research practitioners, this three-part mental health literacy workshop series for students at Sacramento State aims to address the growing mental health disparities and stigma by increasing knowledge, reducing stigma, and promoting culturally responsive help-seeking behaviors. The anticipated outcome is increased Mental Health Literacy among participants, which will be evaluated through pre- and post-workshop surveys. The series is developed and facilitated by Dr. Maiko Xiong, Associate Professor in Counselor Education, who will also author the curriculum and design the assessment tools.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the series, students will be able to:

• Identify and describe common mental health challenges within different communities and college students.
• Reflect on structural, cultural, and generational beliefs that shape mental health stigma.
• Demonstrate increased confidence in seeking help and supporting peers.
• Apply knowledge of on-campus and community-based mental health resources.

Workshop 1: Understanding Mental Health in the College Student Context

Workshop 2: Unpacking Stigma

Workshop 3: Building Resilience and Help-Seeking