CANCELLED - Preparing Your Student's Mental Health for College: An Essential Roadmap for Families

Join Dr. James Geisler, a leading higher education professional specializing in student mental health, as he explores the national landscape of mental health challenges on college campuses. Mental health is too often overlooked as a key factor in academic success, despite their deep and essential connection. In this engaging session, Dr. Geisler sheds light on why first-year students are especially vulnerable and how reactive approaches often fall short of meeting their needs.

Parents will gain valuable insights and practical guidance on how to help build a strong foundation for their student’s mental health and overall success. Dr. Geisler will also introduce his book, Thrive Year One: The Essential Mental Health Workbook for First-Year College Students, which equips high school students with tools and strategies to navigate the emotional challenges of the college transition.

This session will empower parents with thoughtful, mental-health-related questions for college tours, admission events, orientations and beyond. Books will be available for purchase during and after the event, each including an exclusive parent guide available only with event purchases.

Follow @thriveyearone on Instagram for more information.

Registration is required to attend this IN-PERSON event.

Bio: 

Dr. James Geisler, PhD, NCC, LPC currently serves as an executive director of student mental health in higher education in Fairfield County, CT. With a career dedicated to improving student mental health, Dr. Geisler has built a reputation for innovative leadership and a deep understanding of the mental health challenges faced by students today.

Driven by a passion for helping students thrive, Dr. Geisler authored Thrive Year One: The Essential Mental Health Workbook for First-Year College Students, a groundbreaking resource designed to equip college students not only for academic success but for the broader challenges of life. Responding directly to the unique pressures faced by today’s students, Thrive Year One delivers practical tools and strategies to foster resilience, well-being, and long-term success. In 2025, Dr. Geisler expanded on this work by creating Thrive Year One: The Official Curriculum Guide—a 14-week program designed for educators to use in the classroom alongside the original workbook as a companion text.

Dr. Geisler earned his PhD in Counseling from Oregon State University, a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Fairfield University, and a Bachelor’s in Psychology from the University of Connecticut. He was honored at Ready to Empower’s 2025 annual fundraiser and has been nationally recognized for his contributions to student mental health. In addition to being published in several higher education magazines, he has spoken to hundreds of parents across the country about mental health and the transition to college.