Population Health

October 28, 2025

Winter 2026 course to introduce programs that improve youth mental health, well-being

Image of an instructor engaged with a classroomThe University of Washington Population Health Initiative, the College of Education and the School of Social Work are partnering to offer a two-credit General Studies course during winter quarter 2026 that will introduce students to a number of UW and community-based research and programs that are working to improve youth mental health and well-being. Undergraduates and graduate students may take this course for credit; graduate students will need to request an add code.

The course, “Interdisciplinary Approaches to Youth Mental Health and Well-Being” (GEN ST 498 A / EDPSY581 / SOC W596), will focus on innovative research and interventions that are successfully breaking down barriers between disciplines that have traditionally hindered positive progress from being realized as quickly as might be possible. A different faculty member or community-based practitioner will present each week to share their unique experiences with students regarding specific approaches they have taken to improve youth mental health and well-being. The course will introduce various components of team science and how to build trust, work across disciplines and build effective collaborations for working in groups when solving complex issues.

Specific topics this course will address include:

  • Relational health during the prenatal through early childhood period
  • How public and workplace policies influence family economic circumstances and child well-being in low-income families
  • Impact of digital technologies on young people’s learning, development and well-being
  • Social emotional regulation curriculum for youth well-being
  • Effective collaborations across disciplines

The course will meet on Wednesdays in Smith Hall Room 102 from 1:30 to 2:50 p.m. during Winter Quarter 2026. Additional course details can be found in the time schedule. Each lecture is open to interested faculty, students, staff, alumni and members of the community as well as those students who are registered for the course.

Please contact Taylor Jolliffe via email at tjoll10@uw.edu with questions or if you are a graduate student who wishes to enroll and needs an add code.