Mental health: Improving access, increasing knowledge and building understanding

UB students doing yoga.

At UB, we're committed to supporting mental health by exploring new ideas, sharing knowledge and staying connected with our community. We’re focused on making care easier to access, building resilience and helping everyone make mental health a priority. Together, we're breaking down the stigma around mental health, improving access to resources and empowering people to live healthier, more fulfilling lives.

60 Seconds With

Elizabeth Woike

Elizabeth Woike.

From Peace Corps volunteer to CEO of Western New York’s largest behavioral health organization, alumna Elizabeth Woike, MSW ’04, is a champion for mental health, empowering others to live their best lives.

Discover how Elizabeth is transforming mental health care.

UB Discoveries

Explore how UB researchers are advancing mental health understanding through impactful studies that address challenges, uncover solutions and promote well-being for individuals and communities.

A man and woman sitting next to one another, hands interlocked.

Don't worry, be happy? It's not that simple.

Is happiness something to work hard toward and accumulate over time, or is it something transient and fleeting that should be savored in the moment? See what UB psychologist Lora Park says.

A cartoon image of a woman with her eyes closed, with her mind surrounded by stars.

Unlocking ketamine's potential

UB researchers have uncovered how low-dose ketamine alleviates depression by targeting specific brain receptors, providing rapid and lasting relief. Discover the science behind this breakthrough.

UB investigators on the Department of Education grant that will support work to address the shortage of school-based mental health professionals in rural communities are, from left, Alexander Rubin, Katie C. Stalker, Annahita Ball and Michael Lynch. Photo: Meredith Forrest Kulwicki.

Mental health care shortage in rural communities

UB’s School of Social Work received $3.59M to train MSW students as school-based social workers in underserved rural communities. Learn how UB is building brighter futures for rural schools.

A health care provider cares for a young cyctic fibrosis patient.

Transforming lives of young CF patients

A groundbreaking $3 million study led by UB is expanding mental health screen and care of children with cystic fibrosis. Check out the impact of this innovative research for these young patients.

Health and Wellness Resources

Taking care of your mental health means supporting your overall well-being. Explore resources to help you build a strong foundation across physical, emotional and behavioral health, because a balanced mind begins with a balanced life.

Sleep

Sleep.

A good night's rest is the foundation of a healthy mind. Explore strategies to improve sleep quality and recharge your body and brain.

Self-Care Starter Kit

Sexual health.

Feeling good starts from within. Explore resources to boost your emotional well-being, set boundaries and build a self-care routine that works for you.

Healthy Eating

Healthy eating.

What you eat fuels your body and mind. Discover tips for balanced nutrition that can boost your mood, enhance focus and support your overall mental well-being.

Personal Health Kit

Health kit.

Your personal health is key to a clear and focused mind. Discover how to build healthy habits and routines that support your physical and mental well-being.

Alcohol and Drug Safety

Alcohol and drug safety.

Substance misuse can disrupt your mental health. Access resources to make informed decisions and create a safer relationship with alcohol and drugs.

Financial Wellness

Financial wellness.

Financial stress can take a toll on your mental health. Access tools and tips to manage your money effectively, reduce anxiety and focus on achieving peace of mind.

Color Your Stress Away

Add your personal touch to UB's iconic Baird Point and Lake LaSalle. This coloring page, designed by Front Porch Collaborative, is a perfect way to relax, recharge and show off your True Blue creativity.

Coloring has been shown to reduce stress, enhance focus and support mental well-being—making it the perfect activity for a mindful break or a burst of artistic inspiration.

Download and print the page here.

Baird Point and Lake LaSalle coloring sheet.

Other Resources

Stay-Healthy Checklist

Alumna Brandy Petrie shares a simple checklist for body and mind wellness during challenging times: maintain a routine, embrace sublight, engage with loved ones and prioritize self-compassion.

Ready to take care of your mental well-being? Start with these simple steps.

Embracing Nonbinary Thinking

Marianne Lagutaine, a PhD student in counseling psychology, explores the power of flexible thinking and how it can transform therapeutic relationships, personal growth, and broader societal conversations.

Want to broaden your perspective? Learn how flexible thinking can make a meaningful difference.

Alumni Spotlight

Helping Kids Handle Anxiety
1/8/25

UB’s Catherine Cook-Cottone brings mindfulness to kids with The Worry Monster, a new book tackling anxiety.

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Bridging Gaps to Improve Outcomes
1/9/25

From fashion to social work, alumna Kathy Lisborg bridges gaps between research and practice to improve lives through implementation science.

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Disruptive Innovation in Behavioral Health Research
1/9/25

Alumnus Steven Harvey leverages innovation in behavioral health to transform care through groundbreaking data analytics.

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Struggling with Mental Illness
1/8/25

UB alumna Hanna Hall bravely shares her battle with mental health, reminding us all: it’s okay to not be okay—and to seek help.

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Supporting LGBTQ+ Youth in WNY
1/9/25

Jack Kavanaugh leads with passion and purpose, creating affirming spaces for LGBTQ+ youth while building a legacy of impactful nonprofit leadership.

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Teaching the Power of Conflict Resolution
1/9/25

Brittany Patterson redefines the "FIGHT" with her self-published book, offering young people tools to navigate conflict with strength and grace.

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The Jean M. Alberti Center for Bullying Abuse Prevention

Bullying can turn even the best schools into hostile environments, leaving lasting emotional scars that can lead to depression. Jean M. Alberti, PhD ’70, EdM ’62, is helping UB break this cycle through the Jean M. Alberti Center for Bullying Abuse Prevention. The center aims to reduce bullying abuse in schools and communities by providing evidence-based tools and knowledge to change how educators, parents and students address these issues.

As a national resource, the center offers research, publications and insights on preventing bullying in schools and elsewhere. Explore all that the center has to offer.

Did You Know? Facts about Bullying

According to the Centers for Disease Control, bullying is defined as:

  • Unwanted aggressive behavior(s) by another youth or group of youth who are not siblings or current dating partners.
  • Involving an observed or perceived power imbalance
  • Repeated multiple times, or is highly likely to be repeated

Read the facts about bullying below to increase your understanding and awareness.

About 22% of 12-18 year-olds experience bullying.
Students with disabilities are 2 to 3 times more likely to be bullied than their nondisabled peers.
Less than half of students who experience bullying report it to an adult.
Students identifying as LGBTQ+ or gender nonconforming were far more likely to experience bullying than students identifying as heterosexual.
Bullying is experienced more frequently by females than males.
Traditional forms of bullying—physical, verbal—have decreased over the past 10 years, but cyberbullying has increased over the past five years.
Faces & Voices

Photo courtesy of UB Athletics.

Upcoming Events

Recharge and Rebalance

Calling UB GSE alumni! Feeling overwhelmed, exhausted or stretched too thin? Join us on Feb. 27 at Resurgence Brewing Company and learn how to gain back your equilibrium, recharge and rebalance. Register today for this interactive workshop.

Lifelong Learning

Engage with critical mental health issues through our free webinar series. Gain valuable insights from UB experts as they explore topics that impact mental well-being and help shape a better future for all.

Additional Learning Opportunities

Course in Infant Mental Health

UB’s online course in infant mental health, taught by expert Mickey Sperlich, PhD, explores the critical role of secure attachment in early development and strategies to support caregiver-infant relationships.

> Learn more

Institute on Trauma and Trauma-Informed Care

This micro-credential equips participants with skills to recognize and respond to trauma. This program combines self-paced or in-person learning with practical application.

> Learn more