At-Risk, is a revolutionary web-based training simulation that provides hands-on practice for university faculty in identifying, approaching, and referring students in mental distress before they may pose a danger to themselves or others. In the training simulation, learners practice having conversations with realistic virtual characters that possess their own memory and emotions. The simulation has been developed by Kognito Interactive and the Mental Health Association of New York City. More information can be viewed at www.kognito.com/atrisk.
New York, NY (PRWEB) November 11, 2008 -- Kognito Interactive, an award-winning learning simulations and games company, and the Mental Health Association of New York City (MHA of NYC), a leader in mental health services, advocacy, and education across the nation, announced today the launch of At-Risk, a revolutionary web-based training simulation that provides hands-on practice for university faculty in identifying, approaching, and referring students in mental distress before they may pose a danger to themselves or others.
"We have a long history of using technology as a tool to link people to behavioral health services everyday and at times of crisis," said Giselle Stolper, Executive Director of the Mental Health Association of New York City. "At-Risk represents a merger between Kognito's expertise in learning and simulation technology and our ability to create revolutionary ways to identify people in emotional distress. At-Risk will help to address depression and mental illness, which are highly prevalent on college campuses but far too often undetected."
In the web-based simulation, learners assume the role of a faculty member in a fictional university where they analyze students' profiles to identify those who are potentially at-risk, engage in simulated conversations with six virtual students exhibiting behaviors associated with depression, substance abuse, aggression, and thoughts of suicide, and determine whether and how to refer them to the campus counseling center. A demonstration of the product and information on how it can be obtained is available at http://www.kognito.com/atrisk.
The simulated conversations are built upon Kognito's patent-pending simulation platform which enables users to practice having conversations with realistic virtual characters that possess their own memory and emotions, while receiving personalized feedback on their decisions and actions. This highly effective learning approach results in users becoming better equipped and more confident to handle similar situations in real life.
Today's college students face tremendous pressures inside and outside the classroom, feelings that may be further intensified by the current financial crisis. It is estimated that nearly half of U.S. college students feel so depressed it is difficult for them to function and that almost 10% have seriously considered suicide during the past year. At-Risk has been designed to help academic institutions engage their entire staff of faculty, administrators, and resident advisors to effectively identify and refer at-risk students to the counseling center, a crucial task considering that recent statistics show close to 80% of students who commit suicide are never seen by a counselor.
Universities that utilize this product will benefit by providing cost-effective, engaging, efficient training for all faculty and staff, ensuring that students in need get immediate help and lowering faculty anxiety about approaching and dealing with students in distress.
"The MHA of NYC was an ideal partner because of their commitment to designing and providing innovative approaches to treat mental illness," said Ron Goldman, Kognito's CEO. "Utilizing our patent-pending simulation technology, At-Risk is the only training product that allows users to learn through practice and feedback versus the prevalent information dissemination approaches. We could not think of a better, more qualified content partner for this product and we look forward to bringing this new approach to learning in the area of mental health screening."
ABOUT KOGNITO
Kognito creates web-based computer training simulations to help individuals improve their people-skills. Built upon its award-winning and patent-pending technology, Kognito's simulations enable learners to practice having conversations with realistic virtual characters who possess their own memory and emotions while receiving feedback on their decisions. Kognito's off-the-shelf and custom-built simulations concentrate on the areas of leadership, management, customer service, and mental health screening. For more information, visit www.kognito.com
ABOUT MHA of NYC
Founded in 1964, the MHA of NYC has led the way in mental health services, advocacy, and education in the New York metropolitan area and across the nation. The MHA of NYC fights to shape the policies that benefit those who suffer with mental illness; promotes early detection of mental illness; facilitates access to treatment; and pioneers the development and implementation of innovative, award-winning direct service programs to help individuals and their families lead rich and rewarding lives, including the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-TALK), the only national 24/7 suicide prevention hotline available to anyone in emotional distress or suicidal crisis. For more information, visit www.mhaofnyc.org.
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