Referring a Student to the CARE Team

To refer a student to the CARE Team, you can contact any CARE Team representative with the name of the student and a brief narrative of their behavior. If you are concerned about a student but have not witnessed any distressing or disruptive behavior, please explain your concern in detail.

The CARE Team meets regularly throughout the year and will review your referral at the next meeting. If a situation requires immediate attention, an emergency CARE Team meeting can be called at the determination of a CARE Team chair. All the representatives will have the opportunity to investigate any other information available about the student through their appropriate discipline prior to the meeting. Be assured that the CARE Team exists to care for our students, and will handle your referral in a professional manner in an effort to best meet the needs of the UNT community and our students.

Three Levels of Distress

There are three levels of distress, which over a period of time, could suggest that someone is going through a difficult time in their life. It's important that as a part of the UNT community, we all know the signs to get help for a classmate, roommate, child, student, co-worker, or friend in crisis. Speak out and reach out to them.

When supporting a student in distress, start by finding a private time and place to talk without interruptions. Share your concern in a calm, non-judgmental way and listen carefully, summarizing what the student says to ensure understanding. Explore possible options together and clarify the pros and cons of each choice from the student’s perspective, while respecting their values. If appropriate, ask directly whether the student is considering suicide and provide referrals to helpful resources if needed. Before ending the conversation, confirm the next steps, make sure the student understands what actions are necessary, and plan to follow up.

Responding to Suicidal Concerns

When a student makes any reference to suicide, the threat of suicide, or an 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: 1) Stay calm, 2) Don't leave the student alone, and 3) Contact Campus Police at 940-565-3000 or dial 911.

When in doubt, reach out to any of the UNT or Denton resources for assistance. Speaking out can help save lives.

Three levels of distress
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
Three levels of distress
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
Three levels of distress
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

UNT offers suicide prevention training using evidence-based training models to faculty, staff, and students at UNT. Complete the Counseling and Testing Services Training/Presentation Request (office.com) form to request suicide prevention training. You can also email CounselingandTestingServices@unt.edu for more information about the suicide prevention training opportunities being offered to our UNT community.