NDSU Launches Free COMET Mental Health Training

By Scout Nelson

North Dakota State University (NDSU) Extension offers free mental health support training webinars to help people better support friends, family members, neighbors, and coworkers who may be facing difficult times. 

The training program, called Changing Our Mental and Emotional Trajectory (COMET), is a free, two-hour interactive session. It teaches participants how to notice signs of mental health struggles, listen with care, and encourage people to seek the right support. 

NDSU Extension schedules two webinars for interested participants. The first session takes place on November 3, 2026, at 11 a.m., while the second is scheduled for December 14, 2026, at 1 p.m. Both sessions are open to the public. 

The program welcomes families, employers, teachers, farmers, faith leaders, volunteers, and anyone who wants to help others maintain good mental health. It provides simple steps for starting respectful conversations with people who may be dealing with daily stress or more serious mental health concerns. 

Participants learn that they do not need to diagnose a problem, provide professional counseling, or solve every challenge. Instead, they can recognize signs of distress, listen without judgment, show understanding, and help people connect with suitable services and resources. 

"Sometimes, the most important step is simply reaching out," says Adriana Drusini, NDSU Extension farm and ranch stress program coordinator. "COMET helps people feel prepared to have those conversations and reminds us that small acts of compassion can make a meaningful difference." 

The webinars are led by NDSU Extension family and community wellness agents Myra Badger of Ward County, Kari Helgoe of Pembina County, and Katie Henry of Cavalier County. 

The High Plains Research Network in eastern Colorado developed COMET. The program is available at no cost in North Dakota through support from the USDA Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network Program. 

People interested in attending can register at ndsu.ag/COMET-26. For more information, they can contact Drusini at adriana.drusini@ndsu.edu or Sean Brotherson at sean.brotherson@ndsu.edu.

Photo Credit: gettyimages-ben-goode