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Illustration of one person comforting another during a mental health conversation, with homes and clouds in the background.

Mental Health Momentum

Community Conversations on Mental Health Builds Momentum in Tallapoosa County

Austin Scott

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What began as a shared commitment to listening and learning quickly grew into a meaningful community experience last fall, as Auburn University’s College of Education introduced Community Conversations on Mental Health. Designed to open the door for candid discussions around mental health in rural Alabama, the series brought Tallapoosa County residents, community leaders and university partners together for four months of conversation, connection and practical guidance at Central Alabama Community College.

As part of Auburn’s Rural Health Initiative, the series represented the debut of a new approach to outreach that intentionally blends community engagement with graduate-level training in clinical mental health counseling. By the final session in December, Community Conversations on Mental Health had done more than encourage dialogue. It helped build local capacity, foster trust and strengthen Auburn’s relationship with the rural communities it serves.

Building the Initiative

The project was developed through a collaboration among the College of Education’s Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC) program, the Counseling Honor Society Iota Delta Sigma (IDS), Auburn University Outreach and the Tallapoosa County Extension. Designed as both a community service effort and a training opportunity, the series integrated hands-on outreach into the very first semester of coursework for CMHC graduate students. It has been led by College of Education faculty members Dr. Danielle Boyd and Dr. Sarah Flint, and Assistant Vice President for University Outreach and Public Service, Dr. Hollie Cost.

“This project not only helps address mental health needs in rural Alabama but also gives our students invaluable experience in advocacy, psychoeducation and community partnership,” said Flint, an assistant clinical professor and the CMHC clinical coordinator. “It’s an opportunity for our students to apply what they’re learning in the classroom while serving others in meaningful ways.”

The idea for the project originated with Anna Beth Gandy, a second-year CMHC student, who approached faculty about creating more opportunities for early involvement in rural mental health support. In response, Cost, Boyd and Flint worked with Gandy to structure a pilot program that aligned closely with course objectives and met community needs. First-year CMHC students prepared and delivered each presentation, while mentors from IDS and the Counselor Education doctoral program served as guides.

“This initiative had been a long-standing vision of mine,” Gandy said. “Seeing it come to fruition has been deeply meaningful.”

Community Conversations

Monthly sessions centered on issues identified as timely and relevant by community partners. Topics included general overall mental health, stress, coping strategies, how alcohol and substances affect mental health, and more. Sessions encouraged attendees to share personal experiences, ask questions and practice strategies for well-being. This model helped break down barriers associated with discussing mental health while fostering a space for meaningful conversation.

“Our students have stepped into these community conversations with compassion, professionalism and a true commitment to rural mental health.”

A presenter speaks with adult learners seated in a tiered classroom during a community engagement session.

Throughout the 2025 fall semester, the impact of the series was evident. Community members voiced appreciation for the accessibility of the presentations and the connection the conversations created. Students shared that participating in these sessions helped them understand how counseling concepts translate into real-world advocacy and education:

“Being able to have open conversations, challenge misconceptions about mental health, and connect people to local resources showed me how advocacy can happen in a simple, humanistic way,” said first-year CMHC student Taylor Grace Joyner.

Reflecting on the semester, Flint noted the enthusiastic response from both participants and students.

“This series has far exceeded our expectations,” Flint said. “Community members, leaders and partner organizations have responded with such openness and enthusiasm, and our students have stepped into these community conversations with compassion, professionalism and a true commitment to rural mental health. Watching the relationships grow each month has been incredibly meaningful.”

Looking Forward

The collaborative structure also deepened Auburn’s relationship with rural partners, demonstrating how university programs can contribute to community well-being in tangible ways. As plans move forward for future sessions and potential expansion into other counties, Community Conversations on Mental Health has already shown promise as a sustainable model for rural engagement. By connecting academic learning with service and by involving students from the start of their training, the initiative strengthens both counselor development and community support.

With one semester complete, Gandy and her classmates look forward to continuing improving lives and mental health in rural areas next semester and beyond.

“It has been especially encouraging to hear how participants are gaining practical, relevant knowledge about mental health, which has the potential to strengthen individual wellbeing and positively influence the broader rural community,” Gandy said. “I am grateful for the opportunity to continue this work and remain committed to its growth moving forward.”

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