Workshops began last night and will be held tonight and tomorrow in the Houses. Topics covered range from relationship issues to health and work concerns. Mental health professionals will be brought in for some of the workshops.

Dr. Richard D. Kadison, chief executive of UHS Mental Health Services, said this week's programs are just a first step in improving mental health resources on campus.

"This is by no means a one shot deal. We have been working for two years to improve access and outreach, de-stigmatize mental health services, and create constructive dialogue with the University community," he wrote in an e-mail message.

Topics for the workshops were chosen by students in each of the undergraduate Houses, according to Sarah E. Henrickson '01, co-chair of the Undergraduate Health Services (UHS) Student Health Advisory Committee. "Seeing the topics that each of the House contacts chose shows the range of interests and concerns that Harvard students have and the problems have in their life," said Henrickson, who coordinated student involvement in the workshops. (Henrickson is also a Crimson executive.)

Thomas A. Dingman '67, Associate Dean of the College, said he hopes that the discussion groups will lead to more effective resources as UHS and Bureau of Study Counsel liaisons learn about student concerns.

"My hope is that...students will feel comfortable discussing issues that they confront," said Dingman, who served on the University Student Health Coordinating Board involved in organizing this outreach. "These workshops offer a wonderful chance for us to listen."

Visit the outreach web page for more information about workshops and "Caring" events: