Introduction: Mental health disorders are common and important problem in Croatia. Despite the high incidence of mental health disorders, stigma remains a problem. Stigma affects the later seeking for help of people with mental health disorders. Symptoms have often already advanced, which leads to later treatment. Aim: To examine the attitudes towards people with mental health disorders and the level of empathy among students of the Faculty of Health Studies, as well as the differences between male and female students in attitudes and the connection between empathy and attitudes. Participants and methods: The research was conducted through a questionnaire on a convenient sample of 94 students of the Faculty of Health Studies in Rijeka. Two validated questionnaires were used: Community Attitudes toward the Mentally Ill (CAMI) and the Scale of Emotional Empathy. Results: The results showed that more positive attitudes towards people with mental health disorders are associated with a higher level of empathy, and that female students have more positive attitudes compared to male students. The level of empathy was higher in female students than in male students. Conclusion: This research emphasizes the importance of empathy as an important factor in the formation of positive attitudes towards people with mental health disorders among students. The implementation of education programs that encourage the development of empathy and awareness of stigma has the potential to contribute to changing social norms and achieving inclusion and understanding for people with mental health disorders.