Which Zoom session would you like to join?

Flip through or download the brochure

Enter your email to be added to the reminder list!

View the brochure
 2025/06/Willard-Christopher-e1751921543727.png
Wellbeing/Mental HealthRelationships/CommunicationCollege/Career

Dr. Christopher Willard

Mental Health 101: Supporting Your Child's Mental Health Journey in High School, College, and Beyond

Virtual Event

Program Takeaways:

College transition stress is real and contagious, but preparation + support can reduce overwhelm.

Big vs small school, location, and housing all have mental-health pros/cons—there’s no one right fit.

Mental-health disclosure is safest when paired with proof of resilience, self-awareness, and a plan to succeed.

Keep therapy, medication, and accommodations in place for at least the first semester before adjusting.

Students need steady, calm-confidence from adults—empathize, empower, and consult, don’t take over.

For detailed summaries of our most recent Past Programs, subscribe to our weekly newsletter!

Willard will return to GPS to offer hope and clear direction to stressed students in high school and college. Join us and learn quick tips for contacting a therapist and valuable advice on medication. Willard will also offer actionable tools for families and friends of struggling students who are often uncertain of where to turn for help.

An undeniable mental health crisis currently exists, with increasing numbers of students suffering from anxiety, depression, substance use and self-harm. And yet, even while students are struggling, many are also breaking through the stigma of coping with mental-health challenges and seeking help from therapists, both in person and through online interactions. Come learn the ins and outs of supporting your stressed out student.

Willard is a psychologist and educational consultant specializing in mindfulness for adolescents and young adults. He is on the faculty at Harvard Medical School and is an internationally recognized author of 20 books on contemplative practice.

Please share information about this event with friends and relatives. All are welcome to our free weekly GPS events, and no registration is required.

Speaker Resources

  •  2025/06/Willard_College-Mental-Health-101.png

Related Events

Thu Aug, 20 2026 @ Programs are streamed at noon and 7pm CST

GPS 2026-27 Events List

New Topics. Real Support. Stronger Families.

Thu Jan, 8 2026 @ Noon and 7pm CST

Gretchen Rubin with Dr. Laurie Santos

Secrets of Adulthood: Simple Truths for Greater Happiness

Wed Nov, 12 2025 @ Noon and 7pm CST

Cathy Adams with Dr. John Duffy

HYBRID EVENT - Restoring Youth: Foster Communication, Conversation and Connection

Tue Aug, 26 2025 @ Noon and 7pm CT

Susan Dominus with Dr. Lisa Damour

How Parents Can Support Students to Aim High, Dream Big and Succeed

Please select a session: