Helping a Distressed Student

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If a student asks you for help, or if you recognize that a student is in significant distress, this may provide reason enough to call CAPS for advice.

When a student asks you for help, please suggest that they call CAPS at 966-3658. If they are undecided as to whether or not they want to call CAPS, there are a number of considerations:

  1. What might I do now that could be helpful?
  2. What is the best way to help this person?
  3. What is my role in helping this person?
  4. Is this person asking more of me than I am able or have the skills to give?
  5. How might I approach someone who needs help but has not asked for help?
  6. How do I help someone who is reluctant to talk with a counselor?
  7. What are some signs of distress?

If you believe that a student should be seen at CAPS for an urgent consultation, please call CAPS immediately at 966-3658. 

If this is after-hours or on a weekend, call the After Hours HealthLink at 966-2281. 

Crisis Intervention is available through CAPS' Urgent Care and Consultation Teams to help students manage acute personal crises and provide them with the skills to function and meet the demands of a campus environment.