Finding the right mental health resources shouldn’t be complicated, and the upcoming Mental Health Matters Resource Fair & Conference is designed to make it easier for all in the University of Houston-Downtown community. Bringing together dozens of local providers, organizations, and advocates, the three-day event gives students, faculty, and staff a clear, direct way to explore available services, ask questions, and discover practical tools for support.  

The event is coordinated by Naomi Berger-Perez, Director of Counseling Services, who emphasized, “Our goal is to let the UHD community know that there are a variety of ways that you can engage in self-care and emotional well-being beyond the standard of what everybody thinks about.” Some alternative means of mental health care that will be presented at the event include a sound bath demonstration and a painting workshop facilitated by Marceline Solis, Marketing junior and Undergraduate Student Assistant for the Counseling department.  

With the exception of the two 90-minute trainings on Thursday, the entire event is designed to be come and go. Every event is open to all students, faculty, and staff.  

 

Mental Health Matters Resource Fair  

10 a.m. – 2 p.m., Tuesday, March 31

Academic Building Mural Area, Skyline Lounge, ACAD 300 

This event will consist of community resources coming to UHD to provide information about mental health services. Some resources and provide broad services addressing family support and financial wellness. However, many of the organizations present at the fair provide services tailored for specific challenges including post trauma, circumstances that require a more involved level of care, and substance abuse and addictions.  

Some UHD departments will also be tabling with a focus on healthy coping activities to show how each area supports mental health.   

 

Mental Health Matters Conference  

8 a.m. – 5 p.m., Wednesday, April 1 

Auditorium, A300, Wellness & Success Center 

This event consists of a mix of mental health presentations, activities, and a panel discussion.  

The keynote speaker, Mark Berg, has been working as a counselor for nearly 40 years and currently supervises a handful of the UHD Counseling interns training for their license. His full biography is worth reading, but highlights include working at the EAP Director for MD Anderson Cancer Center and as National Clinical Director of the Critical Incident Response Program for the Air Line Pilot Association, the latter of which is an active title.  

Attendees are strongly encouraged to register for the Conference to receive a swag bag at check in and a free lunch!   

 

QPR/Mental Health Gator-Aid & Pet-Assisted Therapy Workshops 

9 a.m. – 2 p.m., Thursday, April 2

Wellness & Success Center Marsh Area 

In the first session of the day, from 9-10:30 a.m. attendees will learn how to become a certified Gatekeeper of the QPR Curriculum, which is designed to identify and help someone who may be struggling with thoughts of suicide. The next 90-minute training session, Mental-Health Gator Aid, starts immediately after. There, attendees will learn specifics on how to appropriately refer a student to UHD resources. 

And from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., attendees will have the opportunity to engage with certified therapy dog Major and his handler Jana Bickel.   

 

Don’ t miss out on this an opportunity to get informed, get connected, and take a more active role in your mental well-being. The more you know, the more empowered you are to take the next step. 

You can view the full agenda of events by clicking HERE.