top of page
College Minds

About Me

I'm a first-generation student and when I started college, the weight of expectations, the fear of not belonging, and the whispers of imposter syndrome felt heavy. I didn't have a roadmap, and navigating the emotional landscape of college was overwhelming and felt lonely. I lacked guidance on where to seek help or how to utilize the resources available on campus. When I graduated, I made a commitment to support as many college students as possible to ensure they knew how to navigate their college experience with confidence.


For the past 20 years, I've dedicated myself to supporting college students like you. My experience at Stanford University, working with students worldwide, opened my eyes to the unique challenges students face. The pressure to excel, the cultural adjustments, and the constant comparison game – I saw how these factors impacted their mental well-being. Witnessing this ignited a passion within me to make a difference. My experiences and the stories of hundreds of students I've worked with fueled my desire to create a platform for open dialogue and practical guidance.

 

That's why I created a space where we can explore mental health in college, share experiences, and learn together. As a lifelong learner, I went back to school, earned a master's in psychology and completed a certificate program in psychological first aid, equipping myself with the tools to better support those in need.

My experiences as a citizen of the U.S. and Canada has also helped me to understand the importance of cultural sensitivity and communication. Whether you're a first-generation student like me, an international scholar adapting to a new environment, or simply navigating the complex emotions of college life, I understand. 

Through this platform, I am creating a community for you to learn practical strategies for managing mental health issues such as stress, anxiety, and depression. And most importantly, it's a reminder that you're not alone.

Subscribe to the podcast, leave a comment, share your story, and let's build a supportive community where open communication and self-care are the norm. Remember, your well-being matters, and you deserve to thrive.

 

Debby Couture, College Minds

Education & Credentials

  • I am a Certified Mental Health Coach (Headspace Training Institute) 

  • I have a Bachelor's and a Master's degree in Psychology

  • Certified Youth Mental Health First Aid (National Council for Mental Wellbeing)

  • Certificate in Health Coaching Conversations (Imperial College London)

  • Certificate in Psychological First Aid (Johns Hopkins University)

  • Certificate in Positive Psychology Applications & Interventions (University of Pennsylvania)

Recommendations

Debby is an exceptional resource for young people and their families as they navigate entry into, as well as sustain, a positive experience throughout their higher education journey! If you could benefit from the support of a wise and compassionate coach that is highly experienced in a variety of modalities to support mental and behavioral health challenges, Debby is your person!

~ J.Morrison (The Important Work, LLC)

Debby Couture of College Minds is one of those people you instantly feel comfortable around — warm, thoughtful, and so knowledgeable! With 20 years in higher ed, she knows the student experience inside and out, and it shows in the way she supports both students and their parents through big transitions. She brings that rare mix of deep expertise and genuine kindness that makes you think, “Ah, she really gets it.” If you’re looking for someone who can help students build resilience and confidence — or just want to connect with a smart, grounded professional in this space — I can’t recommend her enough.

~ B. Pestien (Wildflower ADHD)

©2024-2025 by College Minds. Proudly created with Wix.com

bottom of page