Partnering to Support Your Student’s Mental Health
Parents and Bengal family members, we want to partner with you to support your students’ wellbeing at Idaho State. Our Idaho State Counseling & Testing Services (CATS) are available to students year-round, and students who are struggling or just need someone to talk to can complete the voluntary and anonymous Bengals RUOK? questionnaire on the Idaho State Counseling Center webpage. Knowing the challenges our students have faced during the pandemic, CATS is currently featuring Coping with COVID - free Virtual Wellness Resources and telehealth services.
In September, CATS will host a series of Suicide Prevention Month activities to empower our students to talk about mental health issues and participate in events designed to support their emotional and mental wellness during college.
Wednesday, September 1, 11:30-1:30 p.m. – Stress Management
Watch for a Stress Management table in the Pond Student Union Quad lounge. CATS representatives will be distributing “Stress Packs” and answering students questions about mental wellness.
Tuesday-Friday, September 7-10, 12:00-2:00 p.m. –“You are Not Alone!”
Encourage your student to look for the "You are not alone - Break the Stigma" awareness flags and to stop by one of our tables on the north lawn between Gravely Hall and the Pond Student Union, Pocatello campus, between 12:00 and 2:00 p.m. to chat with mental health professionals.
Monday-Friday, September 13-17, 12:00-2:00 p.m. – “Messages of Hope”
Students are invited to join our mental health professionals at the Pond Student Union to post notes of hope for one another on our wall.
September 10 & 22 – Talk Saves Lives – Suicide Prevention Training
CATS will be offering the powerful workshop, Talk Saves Lives – Suicide Prevention Training -- three times this fall, beginning September 10 (see schedule below). This 90-minute program provides participants with a clear understanding of this leading cause of death, including the most up-to-date research on suicide prevention, and what they can do in their communities to save lives.
- Friday, September 10, 8:30 - 10:00 a.m. - offered online via Zoom - Registration Required
- Wednesday, September 22, 3:00-4:30 p.m. - offered in-person | Pond Student Union, North Fork, Salmon River Suites (3rd Floor) - Registration Required - Registration Required
- Wednesday, November 10, 3:00-4:30 p.m. offered in-person | Salmon River North Fork Room - The registration link for this training will be added to the webpage by October 1, 2021.
Remember that our services are available to students year-round. If you are concerned about your student, contact our Dean of Students at the Office of Student Affairs: (208) 282-2794 or studentaffairs@isu.edu. Students who wish to initiate services may call the CATS staff (Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.) for appointment information and availability. They will guide students through the process of completing initial paperwork and obtaining an appointment for a secure and confidential meeting with a mental health provider. Students in urgent need should call the crisis line at 1-800-273-TALK (8255). If concerns are life threatening, call 911.
Counseling Services Contact Information
Pocatello campus: (208) 282-2130
Idaho Falls campus: (208) 282-7750
Meridian campus: (208) 373-1719
CATS web page: https://www.isu.edu/ctc/