Supporting Student Mental Health: Resources for Faculty and Staff

At the Counseling and Mental Health Center (CMHC), we are committed to partnering with faculty and staff to prioritize and support student mental health.

A Quick Response Guide

CONCERN LEVEL

Signs
Visible distress, crying, irritability, anger, fights/arguments, anxiety, personal loss or traumatic life events, declining academic performance, social withdrawal, increased alcohol and/or drug use.

What To Do
Initiate a conversation with the student, consider utilizing campus resources, or contact BCAL (Behavior Concerns Advice Line) for coordinated university services. A helpful approach is to start a conversation with the student you’re concerned about by stating what you’ve noticed, followed by a question, e.g., “I’ve noticed you’ve seemed down recently. Is there anything you’d like to talk about?”

Contacts
Behavior Concerns Advice Line (BCAL): 512-232-5050

Counseling and Mental Health Center (CMHC): 512-471-3515 (Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.)

URGENT SITUATION LEVEL

Signs
Expressions of hopelessness, talk of suicide or harm to others, being out of touch with reality.

What To Do
If you observe warning signs of suicide, ask the student directly, “Are you thinking about killing yourself?” If the answer is “yes,” remain calm, express care and concern, and connect them to a resource. Reassure them by saying, “This is really brave of you to share, and I want you to know I’m here for you. I do need to connect you with someone on campus who can help you through this.” Next, get immediate assistance.

Contacts
Behavior Concerns Advice Line (BCAL): 512-232-5050

Counseling and Mental Health Center 24/7 CRISIS LINE: 512-471-2255

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988

Consider escorting the student to the Counseling and Mental Health Center on the 5th floor of the Student Services Building (Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.).

EMERGENCY LEVEL

Signs
Immediate threat of harm to self or others

What To Do
Seek immediate assistance by calling 911.

Your Syllabus

Encourage your students to view the University Policies and Resources for Students Canvas page, which contains information on the Counseling and Mental health Center and University Health Services.

Healthyhorns Resources

Explore the resources provided by Healthyhorns, designed to support and assist students in navigating various aspects of well-being.

Counseling and Mental Health Center
Providing support through assessment and referral, group and individual counseling, psychiatry and well-being services.

Counselors in Academic Residence (CARE)
CMHC clinicians housed within the academic schools in colleges in which they serve.

Longhorn Wellness Center
Contributing to the culture of well-being at UT Austin by providing evidence-informed health promotion, resources, skills and support that are responsive to the needs of our community. Focus areas include sleep, mindfulness, bystander intervention, mental health promotion and more.

Mental Health First Aid Training
Register for this training on that empowers attendees to effectively respond to mental health challenges and crises among students and colleagues. Participants learn how to explore clinical and non-clinical support options, recognize signs of distress, and offer assistance. For questions and to enroll, email longhornshareproject@utexas.edu.

University Health Services
The on-campus multi-specialty healthcare facility providing medical care and public health education. Services include general medicine, 24/7 Nurse Advice Line, allergy, immunization and travel health, gynecology clinic, nutrition services, physical therapy, sports medicine, STI testing and treatment, urgent care, laboratory, x-rays and ultrasounds.

Well-being in Learning Environments
Aims to assist faculty in enhancing course design and delivery to promote student mental health. Working closely with academic colleges and departments, our initiative encourages proactive support for student well-being by integrating it into classrooms and departments. Fostering mental health practices among students is a shared responsibility of the entire campus community, not just one department.

Request a Presentation

Request a presentation on University Health Services and or the Counseling and Mental Health Center or one of the health and well-being workshops hosted by the Longhorn Wellness Center.

Request Materials

Request educational materials for students from University Health Services, the Counseling and Mental Health Center and or the Longhorn Wellness Center.