UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — The Pennsylvania Department of Education has recognized Penn State as one of a select group of postsecondary institutions across the commonwealth for its commitment to preventing suicide and promoting mental health and wellness for its students.
Penn State’s Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) received the designation of PA CARES (Connect, Assess, Respond, Encourage, and Support), which ensures postsecondary students have access to support, tools and resources to learn and thrive.
The PA CARES initiative, established under ACT 110 of 2018 by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, encourages colleges and universities to develop and maintain comprehensive mental health and suicide prevention plans. Institutions that meet the stringent requirements are designated as PA CARES campuses and recognized for their commitment to student mental well-being. CAPS has been recognized in part for its implementation of mental health and suicide prevention plans, which proactively identify and implement policies, procedures and strategies to help students seek help when needed.
This certification highlights CAPS active work in providing a robust system to promote mental health and suicide prevention across the institution. The PA CARES designation provides access to resources that prioritize student well-being, ensuring that students have support systems in place not only during times of crisis but also through proactive programs that build resilience, encourage early intervention and reduce stigma around seeking help.
“It is vital that students have a strong support system ready to meet their needs when they reach out and to know they are never alone,” said Natalie Hernandez, senior director of CAPS at Penn State. “It’s equally important that students feel included and assisted proactively as well as during times of crisis. This designation recognizes the robust ecosystem of programs that exist at Penn State to empower students to seek and receive help when needed.”
CAPS serves as a powerful indicator for students, signifying that they have a supportive system in place and can receive resources throughout their academic journey, according to Hernandez. This designation goes beyond meeting specific requirements; it embodies a commitment to assisting students in gaining access to the necessary support, tools and resources to excel academically.
Stephanie Stama, assistant director for community education and outreach at CAPS, led the effort to secure this designation of PA CARES by highlighting and reflecting the hard work and dedication of everyone who serves students and advances the best practices at CAPS.
Penn State now joins a select group of colleges and universities across Pennsylvania that have earned the PA CARES designation. As one of these institutions, Stama said, Penn State is a leader in advancing student’s well-being, particularly as one of the state’s largest universities to achieve this recognition.
“This recognition of CAPS efforts is deeply meaningful and sincerely appreciated,” Stama said. “CAPS has consistently extended suicide-prevention outreach programming, community education, awareness raising, and clinical services to our campus community. We routinely review current data and trends to guide decision-making about how we can most effectively address suicide prevention among college students.”
As a comprehensive counseling center, CAPS provides a full range of short-term clinical services, long-term group therapy, consultation, community education, training of mental health practitioners and conducts research on college student mental health. The mission of CAPS is to support students’ mental health and well-being as they pursue their academic and career goals. CAPS outlines its suicide prevention information on its webpages on the Student Affairs website.
Penn State Student Affairs supports holistic student success through advocacy, education, engagement and care. With more than 30 programs and units, Student Affairs helps students thrive in and out of the classroom, discover community and belonging, build leadership skills and create lasting memories. All programs and events are open to all students, regardless of sex, gender, sexual orientation, race or other protected class. Student Affairs is committed to building a community of belonging for all. Learn more about Student Affairs programs at studentaffairs.psu.edu.