Mental Health Wellness

Substance use and abuse doesn’t just have a negative impact on an individual’s mental health but also disrupts the user’s family and social support systems. If you or someone you love has been dealing with the effects of substance use, find out more about different drugs of abuse and community resources for everyone impacted by substance use.

Most people have been touched in some way by substance use and addiction, whether it be their own use, friends, or family.  Sometimes, something that starts out as a way to relax and have fun or to escape pain can turn into a life-threatening problem. 

The national crisis surrounding prescription opioids and heroin has started more conversations and led to a greater understanding of how alcohol and other drugs impact the body and brain.  Montgomery College wants to continue that conversation and provide students with information about addiction as well as treatments. 

• National Institute on Drug Abusenew window 
• Video: NIDA Director Dr. Nora Volkow Explains the Science of Addictionnew window
• Video: Why Are Drugs So Hard to Quit?new window

Do you think you, or someone you know, has a problem with alcohol or other drugs?  Take this short screenernew window and use the results to start a conversation with your doctor or counselor.  

Find community resources for substance abuse. 

With the College on remote learning, we understand that stress levels might rise.  We want to keep up our robust program of stress relieving activities via Zoom while the campuses are closed.  All students are welcome to attend events, regardless of campus.   

Question, Persuade, Refer: Suicide Prevention Gatekeeper Training
During the pandemic, suicidal thoughts and behaviors have unfortunately become much more common. QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) teaches participants how to recognize the warning signs of a suicide crisis and how to question, persuade, and refer someone to help. Shining a light on suicide can save lives.
Check back for more dates soon!

Mind Body Medicine Skills Groups
Mind-body medicine is based on the scientific understanding of the connection among our thoughts, sensations and feelings, and our mind, body, and spirit – between ourselves and the social and natural world in which we live. Mind-body skills (such as meditation, biofeedback, guided imagery, and self-expression in drawings, words, and pictures) are scientifically validated to reduce stress and restore physical and psychological health. 
Check back for more dates soon!

Educational Workshops
Check back for more dates soon!

Stress Relief Events
While learning about stress management and coping skills is important, it's equally important to practice them!  The SHaW Center offers a variety of stress relief activities during the semester.
"Mindful Moments" via Instagram @mcshawcenternew window

Peer Support Groups
Whether you're readjusting to classes on campus or attending in person for the first time, being a college student is stressful!  Our Peer Advocate Brigitte, a student like you- not a counselor or therapist, and your fellow MC students are here to talk about frustrations, challenges, and successes in a safe space.  
Groups will return in Fall 2022!

• Counseling and Advising Office Locations, Hours, and Contact Information
  • Germantown: 240-567-7734 
  • Rockville: 240-567-5063 or 240-567-4104
  • Takoma Park/Silver Spring: 240-567-1480
• Personal Counseling
• Combat to College: Mentoring and support for veterans and military service members.
• Behavioral Intervention Teamnew window
• Title IX
• Public Safety
• Peer2Peer: Students helping students as peer educators, peer mentors, and peer navigators. 
• Mentoring Network
• Disability Support Services

Montgomery County 311new window: Call for information about any Montgomery County program or to request services. Available between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. 

Browse programs and resources below. 

• The JED Foundationnew window
• Half of Usnew window
• Love Is Loudernew window
• Set to Gonew window: Your guide to the transition from high school to college and adulthood
• ULifelinenew window: Your online resource for college mental health
• The Steve Fundnew window

• Mental Health Americanew window
• National Alliance on Mental Illnessnew window

• The National Domestic Violence Hotlinenew window: 800-799-7233
• National Coalition Against Domestic Violencenew window
• No Morenew window

• The Trevor Projectnew window
• LGBT National Help Centernew window
• It Gets Better Projectnew window
• TransLifelinenew window

• Veterans Crisis Linenew window: 800-273-8255, press 1
• US Department of Veterans Affairsnew window

• Lifeline Crisis Chatnew window
• American Foundation for Suicide Preventionnew window
• National Suicide Prevention Lifelinenew window: 800-273-8255