RESPOND is a program designed to teach the campus community (students, faculty, and staff) how to recognize and respond to mental health concerns.

The core content includes a brief overview of mental health problems on college campuses, discussion about stigma and culture, an overview of signs associated with mental health problems. Mental health problems are defined broadly to include both subclinical concerns as well as mental illness. The remainder of the course is focused on how to effectively respond with basic listening and empathy, risk assessment at the lay level, support, referral, and taking care of self (including appropriate boundaries based on role or personal preference). The training also addresses issues such as how FERPA works when mental health concerns exist, HIPAA where appropriate, and very briefly Title IX and confidential sources. The course is designed to be interactive and utilizes a variety of videos, roleplay, and other activities.

The program was originally designed to be a full 8-hour training, but a 4-hour version has been developed along with a 1-hour overview. RESPOND can be customized for any campus utilizing the materials. The PowerPoints have templates for local resource and policy slides and a variety of printed materials are also available be customized for your campus. RESPOND can be licensed to campus mental health centers for a one-time fee of $1,200 for private institutions or $500 for public institutions in Missouri. This provides teaching notes, all videos, PowerPoint slideshow, handouts, and activities.