Consulting Services

Dr. Offner is a sought-after speaker on student mental health, faculty and staff well-being, and emotionally healthy school communities. She leads seminars and workshops for students, educators, and parents, and regularly appears on podcasts and news programs to promote mental health awareness and advocacy. Explore her upcoming speaking engagements and media appearances below.

Podcast Appearances

Dr. Offner is a frequent guest on podcasts where she shares insights on student and educator mental health, aiming to foster greater understanding and support for wellbeing in educational settings.

The Right Mind Media

Teens, Schools, and COVID

It's been a tough year for adolescents. Dr. Deborah Offner, an adolescent psychologist who works with middle, high school and college students, joins us to share tips on how to help teenagers through the pandemic.

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Student Mental Health

Dr. Deborah Offner, a clinical psychologist and middle and secondary school consultant, joins us to talk about student mental health during adolescent and young adult development, and what parents can do to help.

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Smart Family

Understanding Teenagers, High School, and Gen Z Mental Health

Today’s teens are growing up in a world unlike any before—digitally native, more open about mental health, yet struggling in new ways. Dr. Deborah Offner, clinical psychologist and teen mental health expert, works closely with students, parents, and educators to bridge that gap. She shares insights on how adults can better understand and support the teenagers in their lives.

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Too Dope Teachers and a Mic

Educators As First Responders

In her book Educators as First Responders, Dr. Offner highlights a powerful truth: when students struggle, they often turn to teachers first. She offers insights and strategies to better support these “first responders” of student well-being.

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Master’s in Psychology

Insightful Advice and Educators as First Responders

In this episode, Dr. Offner offers practical guidance for students pursuing graduate degrees in psychology—especially clinical psychology. She stresses the value of early research experience, publishing as an undergraduate, and aligning your interests with faculty mentors. Her advice: research programs carefully and connect with professors whose work truly matches yours—that’s how you earn funding and secure a PhD.

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Sample Workshops

Faculty & Staff

Educators as “First Responders:” Mental Health in the Classroom

K–12 educators are often the first to notice when students are struggling. This session explores today’s child and adolescent mental health landscape, offers practical strategies for responding to students in distress, and highlights ways to partner with families and colleagues to build healthier school communities.
We’ll conclude with a discussion based on participant questions and real-life case examples.
Intended Audience
Classroom teachers, deans, division heads, nurses, coaches, counselors

Keynote Duration
60 Minutes
Workshop Duration
90 Minutes

Worried, Sad, or Mad?

In a K-12 class of twenty-five students, at least five will struggle with anxiety or depression significant enough to interfere with academic performance, peer relationships, or both. The tricky part is that these syndromes LOOK different in kids than they do in adults. Learn how to recognize how anxiety and depression manifest at different ages. Discover how you can intervene early & effectively in your role as teacher, administrator, coach, nurse -- and yes, parent consultant!
During the discussion period, we will focus on participant questions and observations about your own students and school communities.
Intended Audience
Classroom teachers, deans, division heads, nurses, coaches, counselors
Workshop Duration
90 Minutes

Parents

Proactive Parenting

Division and/or grade-level interactive sessions.
These sessions provide a developmental and clinical understanding of middle or high-school-aged children across multiple contexts (e.g. school and home). Depending on the grade level, sessions can include topics like helping your child adjust to middle school, navigating the college application process, or preparing for your child to leave for college.
Parents are encouraged to submit questions ahead of time that will be addressed during the session. There is also time for live Q&A at the conclusion of each presentation.
Intended Audience
Student Parents
Workshop Duration
90 Minutes

Counseling & Support Professionals

Who’s minding the teachers?

Student support professionals and school leaders often find themselves helping not just students and families, but also colleagues facing personal and professional stress.
This session explores how to effectively support fellow educators, maintain morale, prevent burnout, and foster strong relationships across campus. Join us for practical guidance and open conversation about sustaining wellbeing and growth among the adults who make independent schools thrive.
Intended Audience
Heads, Division Heads, Deans of Faculty, School Counselors
Workshop Duration
90 Minutes

School Leaders

Leading Emotionally Healthy Schools

Mental health issues like anxiety and depression are at record levels among K–12 students, impacting learning, relationships, and school life. As a senior administrator, you're often called to support students and families during difficult times, guide faculty and staff responding in the moment, and help shape inclusive, responsive school practices.
In this two-part workshop, you'll gain tools for understanding and supporting students facing emotional and relational challenges, and strategies for partnering with families and colleagues. We’ll begin with an overview of current trends, then move into practical approaches for communication and collaboration. The second half features small-group discussions focused on real-world scenarios from your schools.
Intended audience
Heads, Assistant/Associate Heads, Division Heads, Deans
Keynote Duration
60 minutes
Workshop Duration
2–3 hours (morning or afternoon)