FARMINGTON — The University of Maine at Farmington plans to feature a panel discussion, “Mental Health: At Home, School and in the Community,” for its next UMF Public Forum.

This event is set for 7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 9, in the Performance Space in the UMF Emery Community Arts Center, Main Street. It is free and open to the public.

This panel discussion will explore challenges and resources related to supporting an individual’s mental health needs at home, in school and in the community.

Panelists and their topics include:

Sarah Carnahan — “Concerns on Campus”

Carnahan ‘05, director of Mental Health & Counseling services at UMF, will provide an overview of national and local mental health trends on college campuses. She will describe the ways in which the college setting provides unique opportunities to support the mental health of young adults.

Lisa-Ann Henry — “State of Maine Challenges”

Henry, director of the Masters in Counseling Psychology with an Emphasis in the Creative Arts program at UMF, will explore the critical need for mental health services among Maine citizens and highlight the initiatives undertaken by UMF to enhance the availability of clinicians in the field and how we’re making a difference in mental health care for Maine’s communities.

Laura Seames — “Mental Health 101 — A collective well-being perspective”

Seames ’99, M.S. ’22, is a conditional clinically licensed counselor in Maine practicing in Wilton. She will present an introduction to mental health basics that empower individual investment in mental well-being and how that investment leads to stronger and more vibrant communities.

Valentina Levesque — “First Generation Students and Adolescent Mental Health”

Levesque, a UMF senior and psychology major, will provide insight into first-generation/low-income students’ mental health challenges and their strengths as individuals and as a community.

The panel discussion will be moderated by Natasha Lekes, UMF professor of psychology, followed by a Q&A and a reception with light refreshments.

For more information visit umf.maine.edu or email april.mulherin@maine.edu.

Check out other upcoming area events!