Mental Health Support Squad

About

The Mental Health Support Squad (MHSS) is a group of undergraduate and graduate students who are passionate about mental health education, outreach, and advocacy. Squad members are trained and supervised by the staff of Counseling Services and serve as a mental health resource for peers.

Through a one-on-one mental health peer mentorship program, a general mental health support group, wellness workshops, and outreach initiatives, the squad works to bring mental health wellness to NAU students.

The Mental Health Support Squad offers services to all NAU students, including those at the Flagstaff campus and statewide sites as well as students who are studying online.

Guide to Services

Scope of Care

Mission

Our mission is to bring mental health wellness to NAU students through peer support, mental health education, advocacy, and outreach

Vision

The Mental Health Support Squad of NAU assists in cultivating and maintaining a more informed and compassionate campus community that decreases stigma around mental health needs, help seeking, and self-care practices

Services

All Mental Health Support Squad services are offered free of charge and are provided by peer mentors. Keep in mind that mentors are not licensed professionals, but rather serve as a guide for you on your college journey of mental health wellness. Working with a peer mentor or attending community events is not a replacement for formal counseling or attending sessions with a licensed clinician.

One-on-One Peer Mentorship

Peer mentorship is an opportunity for you to connect with one of our trained peer mentors in a more personalized way. To be matched with a mentor, complete the request form below. You will then receive an email invitation to schedule your pre-mentorship consultation with the program manager.

Peer Mentor Request Form

Weekly Community Events

Each week, the Mental Health Support Squad offers community-focused mental health wellness events. This schedule of events will take place every week from Monday, January 30, 2023 through Thursday, April 27, 2023, unless otherwise announced on our Instagram page.

All community events take place in the Mental Health Support Squad wellness lounge, located in the Health and Learning Center (HLC), room 3107.

Homework Night

Mondays, 5:00-8:00 PM, HLC 3107
We know that one of the biggest stressors in your life as a college student is your academics, and that can play a role in your overall mental and physical health. So, we offer a space where students can gather, create community, and study.

No pre-registration is required for this event; you are invited to drop in at any time and stay as long as you’d like to work on projects, study for tests, etc. Bring your laptop, books, assignments, notes, and anything else you need and hang out with us!

Peer Support Group

Tuesdays, 5:30-6:30 PM, HLC 3107
These mentor-led groups are open to all NAU students who would like to listen, share, and hold space for one another. We invite you to attend whenever you feel like having a group support approach to caring for your mental health would be meaningful to you.

You do not need to have a specific diagnosis or lived experience to attend; all are welcome and all are valued. This is a space to connect with peers to talk about all aspects of life. Attendance is inclusive and participatory while maintaining the boundaries of respect and confidentiality.

No pre-registration is required to participate and attendance is drop in, although we do require that you arrive before 5:45 PM to be part of that evening’s group.

Art Night

Wednesdays, 5:00-6:30 PM, HLC 3107
Feeling creative? Join us each week to focus on a theme that ties art to mental health wellness and to explore how those connections can be applied to everyday life. Plus, you’ll get to make some really cool artwork using a variety of mediums and be part of an artistic, welcoming community.

Registration is required to participate in this event as basic materials will be provided to participants, so contact us at Support.Squad@nau.edu to join.

Journaling Workshop

Thursdays, 7:00-8:00 PM, HLC 3107
Words have the power to shape, to transform, to heal, and to nourish. We want to help you explore how writing can support you! These workshops are a chance for you to connect with others while engaging in semi-structured journaling and writing activities each week.

Registration is required to participate in this event as basic materials will be provided to participants, so contact us at Support.Squad@nau.edu to join.

Mentors

Meet Your Mentors!

Interested in Becoming a Mentor?

Students who would like to become mentors must enroll in NAU 299: Mental Health Peer Training, a 3 credit, 16 week course. To learn more or to request enrollment, please email the program manager at Rebecca.Flasz@nau.edu.

Contact

All media requests pertaining to the Mental Health Support Squad and related services must be directed to Rebecca Flasz, mental health program manager, at: Rebecca.Flasz@nau.edu

Support.Squad@nau.edu

https://www.instagram.com/nausupportsquad/