October 30, 2025
The Challenge
Oregon State University-Cascades is seeing increasing levels of mental health concerns among students, especially BILAPOC, LGBTQIA+, and disabled students, veterans, first-generation students, and others who have been historically marginalized or underserved. Through campus-wide surveys, focus groups, peer groups, and clinical interactions, a clear message surfaced: students want identity-affirming, culturally responsive, and accessible mental health options alongside traditional counseling. At the same time, there’s a funding gap for early, preventative, community-rooted supports that fall outside billable clinical care.
“Students have told us they need spaces where they can be seen, heard, and supported by people who understand their lived experiences,” said Katie Mahoney, associate director of counseling for OSU-Cascades. “Peer-led groups help reduce stigma, foster belonging, and create a sense of community that clinical settings alone can’t always provide.”
The Approach
To address this need, OSU-Cascades developed a culturally responsive, peer-led mental health equity program grounded in belonging, empowerment, and community connection. Student voices and lived experience guided design and implementation from the start.
- Peer-led groups by shared identity/experience (e.g., BILAPOC, LGBTQIA+, veterans, women, students with disabilities) provide non-clinical spaces that reduce stigma, foster belonging, and offer an approachable path to wellness.
- Training and compensation for peer leaders selected for passion, lived experience, and leadership potential; preparation includes trauma-informed facilitation, active listening, and resource navigation.
- Community partnerships with organizations such as the Father’s Group, Veteran Services, and Central Oregon Community College extend support beyond campus and connect students to additional resources.
- Intentional design for equity and access with services delivered by and for the communities they serve, reflecting cultural humility, accessibility, and student ownership, moving beyond a one-size-fits-all model.
Why it Matters
This model meets urgent needs for early, preventative supports and tackles barriers faced by historically underserved students. It aligns with the 2025–2029 Regional Health Improvement Plan (RHIP) focus on behavioral health and access and quality of healthcare, advancing community-rooted solutions that strengthen belonging and reduce stigma.
Contact: Katie Mahoney • katie.mahoney@osucascades.edu