Outreach & Programs

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Supporting Well-Being Across Campus

Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS) is committed to promoting mental health and well-being across the University, not just within our offices.

Through outreach, education and prevention, CAPS connects with students, faculty and staff across both campuses. Whether you’re looking to learn more, support a friend or bring resources to your group, we’re here to help.
 

Supporting the Community

Supporting the Community means creating opportunities for students, faculty, and staff to learn, connect, and thrive through workshops, presentations, campus-wide programs, and collaborative initiatives with campus partners.

Make an Impact

Making an Impact means taking action to support mental health and well-being across campus. CAPS offers programs, workshops, screenings and consultation services that help students, faculty, and staff build skills, strengthen connections, and create a more supportive campus community.

Get Involved!

Support mental health and well-being on campus by getting involved in programs like the Mental Health Ambassador Program, Mental Health First Aid Certification, Common Ground, and the Mental Health and Well-Being Task Force.

You can also participate in mental health screenings and attend workshops and presentations to build skills, connect with others, and promote a healthier campus community.

Mental Health Ambassador Program

The CAPS Mental Health Ambassador Program gives students the opportunity to build leadership skills while promoting mental health awareness across the University.

  • Lead workshops and host tabling events.
  • Support campus-wide wellness campaigns.
  • Promote CAPS services through CAPS 101 programs.
  • Engage students through outreach and social media.
     
  • Participate in annual training.
  • Attend professional development sessions throughout the year.
     
  • Minimum GPA of 3.0
  • Good academic and judicial standing
  • Strong leadership potential and interest in mental health advocacy
  • Preference for students who have completed Mental Health First Aid

For questions or workshop requests, contact Tiffany Ciprian (cipriant@montclair.edu).

Common Ground

Common Ground by RADical Hope is a four-week-long, peer-led wellness program that will help you level up your self-care, stress management, time management and communication skills—basically, all the things that make college (and life in general) a little easier. Plus, it’s a chance to connect with other students who get it.

Fall 2026 Session: September 18 - October 15

Sign Up Today!

Common Ground at Montclair originates from the RADical Hope foundation. Pam and Phil Martin established RADical Hope in honor of their son, Chris, who died by suicide in the Fall of 2017. Like many young people today, Chris experienced periods of profound emotional isolation and lacked the proper opportunities to express his struggles. RADical Hope is committed to improving the lives and futures of young adults by strengthening connections and building resilience. 

Learn more about RADical Hope

  • Participants are organized into small groups and meet once a week to explore each week’s theme through activities and discussion led by a peer guide (approximately 75 min.)
  • Participants gain access to an online portal which serves as the central hub for all program elements, including inspirational videos and interactive resources that participants can explore on their own time.
  • Campus Engagement: Discover and connect with campus clubs, activities, and resources, making it easier to engage fully in college life.
  • Community Building: Be part of a safe, welcoming space where you can share your experiences and support those around you.
  • Peer Connection: Build meaningful connections that can grow into lasting friendships.
  • Skill Development: Develop life skills like stress management, self-care, active listening, self-awareness and decision-making through interactive activities and guided conversations.

We invite all faculty and staff to refer their students to Common Ground x Montclair, a dynamic program designed to support students’ well-being, foster peer connections, and build valuable skills for health and resilience. Your referral can make a positive difference in a student’s experience, helping them thrive both personally and academically.

Next Steps

  1. Share this webpage and encourage students to review the details and sign up for their chosen session.
  2. If you are requiring your student to participate in Common Ground and want to track their progress, contact The Common Ground Team (see Contact Us section) to gain access to the Student Progress Tracker spreadsheet.

For more information or to refer a student, contact the Common Ground team:

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Mental Health Screenings

Mental health screenings are open to all members of the University community and provide a quick way to check in on your well-being.

What to Expect

  • Complete a Brief Survey
  • Receive Personalized Feedback
  • Learn about Available Resources

Online screenings are also available.

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Workshops and Presentations

CAPS offers workshops and presentations for students, faculty and staff throughout the semester.

Topics Include: CAPS 101: Overview of Services, Stress Management, Multiculturalism and Diversity, Suicide Prevention, Alcohol and Other Drugs and Additional Topics Available Upon Request.

Request a Workshop

If your class, student organization or department would benefit from a workshop:

Please Note: Availability may be limited during high-demand times in the semester.