Graduate student tackles mental health stigma

Counselor education graduate student tackles mental health stigma across southside Virginia

Kalley Seitz’s graduate education has taken her far beyond the university’s classrooms as she actively reshapes mental health advocacy across Southside Virginia — and online. 

In Longwood University’s Master of Science in Counselor Education program, Seitz has been tackling mental health stigma with guidance from her professors and a clear commitment to enhancing regional partnerships.

“The counselor education program has shown me the level of advocacy I am capable of and given me the space to explore how I can give back to my community,” Seitz said. “My professors constantly push me, in the best way possible, to not accept the bare minimum and to pursue every opportunity and dream I have.”

Seitz’s work with Longwood’s 2023 Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) grant has made a notable difference in mental health advocacy and training across the region. In working alongside Assistant Professor Dr. Jennifer Gerlach and Associate Professor Dr. Kathleen McCleskey as a graduate assistant (GA) in the Counselor Education, M.S. program, Seitz has gained real-world experience advocating for mental health on campus and in the community.

“I was interested in this role because I was fascinated with research, as well as finding ways to advocate for suicide prevention in my community,” Seitz said. “I also realized how once-in-a-lifetime it is to work under two of your graduate professors — it still feels so cool to even think about it! I’m getting to sit in on meetings and be a part of processes I didn’t even know were possible, which has opened my eyes to the world of higher education, research and advocacy.”

Since beginning her assistantship supporting the SAMHSA grant work in October 2023, Seitz has built the Southside Mental Health website and managed its social media presence on Facebook and Instagram. She has also coordinated outreach efforts and planned Longwood’s April 2024 Out of the Darkness Suicide Prevention Walk — which will take place again in March 2025 — in partnership with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP). 

Also, in an effort to involve undergraduate students and community members, she collaborated with project coordinator Amanda Warley to launch the Southside Ambassadors program aimed at raising awareness of mental health services.

“In an area like Southside Virginia where the stigma around mental health and suicide is high, I feel like I’m getting to be one of the people to advocate for those who are struggling and make them feel more seen and heard,” said Seitz.

With each new initiative, Seitz’s advocacy skills and professional connections have strengthened, thanks to guidance from professors who have inspired her to reach for even greater heights. Dr. Justin Jordan, in particular, inspired her to pursue a doctorate, boosting her confidence in her own academic potential.

“The professors learn about us and hear us and provide us with the skills and connections we need for future opportunities,” she said. 

Seitz’s experiences as a GA have also strengthened her ability to discuss difficult topics like mental health and suicide openly — one of the most essential skills a counselor can possess.

“I already had such a strong stance in advocating for mental health and suicide awareness and prevention, but this GA position gave me the resources and the platform to learn how to talk about it — which I will forever be grateful for,” she said. “Now that I have this knowledge on how to advocate, I can use it in other areas of mental health that I am really passionate about like eating disorders.”

Recently Seitz began an internship at Skyline Mental Health in Charlottesville, Virginia, where she supports individuals who have experienced trauma. She anticipates graduating from the mental health counseling track with her master’s degree in the spring of 2025.

“Longwood and the counselor education program have given me the space to make connections, explore different specialties and pathways, and ultimately decide not only how I will use the material I have been taught, but why I am doing it…Even after graduation, I will be a proud Lancer forever!”