Columbia University

As part of an extensive orientation schedule, among many other trainings, all newly hired staff participate in mandatory Safe Zone training, and meet with the head of our Transgender and Gender Expansive team, (who is a recognized expert in the field); have a session with a senior psychologist on working with first generation students and working across cultures; a session with our Associate Director for Outreach on working with international students; and a session with the Associate Director for Postdoctoral training on considerations in working with Latinx students, as well as sessions on working with trauma survivors and students with eating disorders. Several staff have worked for the Veterans’ Administration, some for many years, and as such have significant training and experience working with vets. Four CPS psychiatrists are Board Certified in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, and thus have extensive training with late adolescent patients. Several of our psychologists are recognized experts in working with BIPOC and LGBTQ populations, and with college students more generally; By way of illustration, one psychologist has published four papers on working with Black patients, especially women; another has authored or co-authored four papers on college mental health practice, and is on the editorial board of the Journal of College Mental Health. All current staff who have worked here for at least the last three years have had the following in-service trainings, among many others: Working with Trans and Gender Expansive students; Issues of sexuality and gender; international students; Muslim students; College mental Health practice (emerging adulthood); Diversity, Equity & Belonging; substance use disorders; body image (and discrimation experienced by students with large body types); suicide prevention with special attention to suicide among military veterans; and young adults on the autistic spectrum. Several staff psychologists started as postdoctoral fellows here; postdoctoral fellows receive intensive training in college mental health that includes a weekly seminar. The seminars vary somewhat from year to year but inlcude such topics as working with Latinx students; with East Asian International students, with students subject to racially-based microaggressions, and students with various sexual orientations and gender identities. A great many current staff come to us from other college counseling and young adult settings where they received specialized training relevant to our population. Finally, staff obtain extensive professional development outside of their work at Columbia, much of it relevant to the populations enumerated in item 6A. By way of illustration, one or more current staff have participated in the following trainings (among numerous others) provided by leaders in the field off campus: “Blackness in the Therapeutic Encounter: Using Identity to Engender Connection” (Marvice Marcus, PhD & Charlynn Small, instructors); Eating Disorders Among Asian Americans: Effects of Racism, Microaggressions and Colorism (31st Annual Renfrew Center Foundation Conference); a course entitled “Race In Clinical Space” at the NYU Postdoctoral Training Program in Psychotherapy and Psychoanalysis; a 3-month seminar at the NYU Postdoc Program entitled “Beyond cultures in the therapeutic encounter:” "Psychoanalysis and Queer Performance Art” (presented at the Institute for Psychoanalytic Training Institute); "The Body Keeps the Score-Trauma Healing Through the Senses (online conference with Bessel van der Kolk, M.D); "Utilizing Imaginal and Relational Interventions in Working with Trauma. (Virtual training, the New York State Psychological Association); "Black Men and Racial Trauma" presented by Yamonte Cooper; "The Young Adult Mental Health Symposium" conference hosted by NY Presbyterian, etc. Hospital; "Domestic Violence and Trauma: Clinical Considerations", presented by Jessica Benas, Ph.D. Rutgers Graduate School of Applied and Professional Psychology; "Problematic Sexual Behavior and Power Dynamics. Advanced Mental Health Training Institute (Modern Sex Therapy Institute. Virtual Training); "Neurodiversity Day: Science & Society" at the Zuckerman Institute, Columbia University; "Loneliness and Belongingness in Emerging Adulthood" Presented by Spencer Biel, PsyD; "Improving Evident-Based Treatment and Organization Skills for LGBTQIA+ Populations" part of the 31st Annual Renfrew Center Foundation Conference – Jerel P. Calzo, PhD, MPH, FAED & Rebecca Newman, MSW, LCSW; "Autism and Development: Optimizing and Integrating Service Delivery Models for the Neurodiverse. Harvard Medical School/Postgraduate Medical Education (PGME);" "Opioid Abuse Workshop. Alan Groveman, Ph.D. ABPP. [Webinar]. Seton Hall University;" "Born this way: Neurodevelopmental Disorders". Julia Ridge,LCSW; "AASECT Virtual Institute—Cultivate Trans Thriving: Tools for Gender Liberation in Practice. Know Yourself Inside & Out: Inclusive, Sex Positive Pelvic Health for All Bodies" Alex Papale, DPT' "Autism and Clinical Threat Assessment and Management" presented bh Dr. Stphanie Leite, Hudson Valley Professional Development.

Residential Life offers a variety of mental health and wellness related programming and initiatives within the residence halls. Resident Advisers (RAs) facilitate programs meant to provide a time for residents to relax, destress, and to take a break from studying. These programs build community and give residents an opportunity to connect with one another and learn about campus resources. Additionally, RAs meet one-on-one with all of their residents to get to know them and to provide resources around mental health and wellness each semester.Residential Assistants (RAs) and Residential staff receive training on responding and referring students who are in distress. Students living in the residential facilities receive access to trainings on reducing and managing stress, time management, substance use and recovery, and sleep hygiene provided by Columbia Health.

Physical Education (wellness in the first year experience)

See health.columbia.edu