Faculty and staff are a critical part of assisting students who need help.

Whether you are a faculty member who teaches undergraduate or graduate courses, are a research advisor, administrator, or staff member, you come in contact with students. We know that personal concern and connection with faculty and staff are keys to students being successful and benefits in increased retention, engagement, overall wellness, and the safety of our campus. We want to help give you the assistance and tools you need to be effective as your part of the team at UNT to help our students.
 
There are many resources available to you. This page will give you tips and suggestions for recognizing and responding to students who seem to be experiencing problems, especially emotional or behavior issues. Please take time to review the many resources and information here.
 

If you suspect a student is in distress, reach out to an on-campus support resource to ensure trained professionals evaluate and address the severity of each situation.

In case of a life-threatening emergency, please call 911.

To contact the national Suicide Prevention Lifeline, call 988.

 

image of a hand pointing to the word Crisis
WALK-IN CRISIS
Visit CTS Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. CST

If in a crisis, visit us in
Chestnut Hall, Suite 311
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CRISIS AFTER HOURS
Call the crisis hotline after 5 p.m. CST

If in a crisis after hours, call 
940-565-2741, then choose option 1
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STUDENTS CAN MAKE AN APPOINTMENT
Call or email Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. CST

 

Tips for recognizing individuals in distress.

The Counseling and Testing Services  offers comprehensive resources and services to address a variety of student needs, including support for students in distress. There are three categories of distress that, over time, may indicate someone is experiencing a difficult period in their life.

Category 1
  • Changes in academic or work performance
  • Significant drop in examination scores
  • Changes in pattern of social interaction
  • Changes in physical appearance
  • Problems concentrating, remembering things, or making decision
Category 2
  • Repeated requests for special consideration
  • New or regularly occurring behavior that pushes the limits and may interfere with class and/or work
  • Manipulating or being disruptive to other students, faculty, or staff
  • Unusual or exaggerated emotional responses
  • Persistent sadness or unexplained crying
  • High levels of irritability or inappropriate excitement
Category 3
  • Highly disturbed behavior
  • Outbursts of anger
  • Inability to communicate clearly
  • Irrational conversation or speech that seems disconnected
  • Loss of contact with reality (seeing/hearing things that are not there, beliefs or actions at odds with reality)
  • Suspiciousness or irrational feelings of persecution
  • Statements related to death or dying or feelings of hopelessness
  • Threats of harming self or harming other

 

What can you do to help?

  • Listen
  • Show you care
  • Don't judge
  • Trust your instincts about their safety
  • Don't leave the person alone if they are in a crisis situation
  • Seek appropriate support (e.g., crisis intervention, counseling) for the person

 

In a Crisis

If a student is in crisis, contact Counseling and Testing Services immediately. CTS offers walk-in crisis services as well as a 24/7 crisis hotline for after hours.

How To Help Someone Thinking About Suicide
  • Be direct (vs. Indirect)​
  • Ask simple, basic questions​
  • Respond in a caring, empathic manner
  • Refer to a mental health professional
Responding to Suicidal Concerns

When a student makes any reference to suicide, threat of suicide, or attempt at suicide, a judgment should be made by a mental health professional about the seriousness of a possible suicidal thought or behavior. Suicide attempts are first and foremost a medical emergency. If danger or suicidal behavior appears imminent:

  • Stay calm and
  • Call 940-565-3000 or 911
  • Call the National Suicide Hotline at 988
Walk-In Crisis Services

Trained Crisis Counselors are available during walk-in hours 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. You can also call 940.565.2741 or visit Counseling and Testing Services in Chestnut Hall, Suite 311. Our team:

  • Assists students experiencing a mental health crisis.
  • Consults with students, faculty or staff who may know of a student in crisis. 
After-Hours Crisis

Trained Crisis Counselors are available 24/7. Call 940.565.2741 and press 1 to speak directly with a crisis counselor:

  • If the student is having harmful thoughts toward themselves.
  • If the student is having harmful thoughts toward someone else.
  • If the student has been recently assaulted or had a traumatic experience.

 

Additional Resources

 

 

Would you like to consult with a psychologist?  Call (x2741) or 940-565-2741