Case Western Reserve University recently introduced T.H.I.N.K. training sessions, aimed at equipping students with essential skills to support peers facing mental health challenges. This program, named for its five key components—Talk, Hear, Identify signs, Navigate resources and Kindly refer—focuses on suicide prevention and the broader goal of mental health awareness. The T.H.I.N.K. program empowers students to act as first responders in situations where friends, classmates or even strangers may be exhibiting signs of mental health distress. It offers participants the tools to open conversations, actively listen, intervene appropriately, guide peers to resources and recognize the signs of someone who might need help.

Mental health issues among college students are reaching alarming rates, with many experiencing high levels of stress and overwhelming anxiety. For some students, these challenges are further exacerbated by long wait times for professional counseling services, a common issue on many campuses, including CWRU’s. The T.H.I.N.K. program addresses these concerns by enabling students to play a proactive role in supporting one another, offering skills that are useful immediately rather than relying solely on professional support.

T.H.I.N.K. training sessions provide participants with practice scenarios, role-playing exercises and resources that help normalize conversations around mental health. The exercises encourage students to practice opening conversations with friends or classmates who may be struggling, to recognize warning signs and to approach sensitive topics in a compassionate, nonjudgmental way. T.H.I.N.K. training places a strong emphasis on active listening, a skill that allows students to better understand the emotional needs of their peers and offer meaningful support.

The training also covers practical steps for connecting peers with additional resources such as  University Health and Counseling Services and the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. In cases where a friend or classmate might need further support, the training helps participants recognize when it is appropriate to suggest professional assistance and how to provide that guidance. By understanding these resources, T.H.I.N.K. participants become well-equipped to direct peers to the right type of help. This holistic approach to mental health support extends beyond individual actions and has the potential to influence campus culture as a whole; the program aims to foster a connected and caring community where mental health is openly discussed and students feel comfortable reaching out for help without stigma or shame.

One of the most impactful aspects of T.H.I.N.K. training is its focus on shifting cultural attitudes around mental health at CWRU. The program encourages students to view mental health as an essential part of their overall well-being and to support each other in building a culture where seeking help is normalized. As CWRU continues to expand T.H.I.N.K. training, the administration has expressed a commitment to improving mental health resources and making support more accessible for all students. The university’s leadership has emphasized that student well-being is a priority, underscoring the need to reduce stigma and promote mental health education.

T.H.I.N.K. training is part of a larger initiative to develop resilience and compassion on campus with the hope of creating a community where students look out for each other and offer support when needed. The program’s focus on peer-based support, combined with professional resources, is helping students at CWRU feel more prepared to handle the mental health challenges that are common during college years.