As faculty or staff it can be challenging to know how to support students' mental health. Here are some resources to help you help them.

Assess the Situation

When helping someone in crisis or distress it can be hard to know what level of support they need. Take time to assess the situation by asking questions. Listening non-judgmentally and staying calm can assist you in getting to the most helpful response. Sometimes it requires calling 911. Sometimes all a student needs is someone to sit with while they are upset and to validate how they are feeling. 

If the person needs immediate medical or psychiatric attention

If you're concerned

  • CAPS Consultation (on-call service available nights/weekends): 802.656.3340
  • CARE Report: anonymous reporting if you are concerned about someone in the UVM community and would like someone to check on them
  • Dean of Students Office-Assistant Dean of Students for Retention: call the head of the CARE team if you would like to speak to someone at 802.656.3380
  • First Call-- Howard Center Crisis Services for Chittenden County available 24/7: 802.488.7777 

If they are "safe" and you want to provide resources available on campus

Local Resources

  • First Call: 802.488.7777 (available 24/7)
    • Howard Center Crisis Services for Chittenden County
  • HOPE Works: 1.800.489.7273
    • Believing and supporting survivors of sexual assault
  • 211 Vermont: call 211
    • A free, confidential service connecting you to Vermont resources, available 24/7
  • Outright Vermont: 802.865.9677
    • A safe, healthy, supportive environment for gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning (LGBTQ+) youth ages 13-22
  • Pride Center of Vermont: 802.860.7812
    • A community center dedicated to advancing community and the health and safety of LGBTQ+ Vermonters.
  • Steps to End Domestic Violence: 802.658.1996
    • Services, support, and education to end domestic violence in our community. 
  • Turning Point: 802.861.3150
    • A dedicated, compassionate community for those in recovery. 

National Resources

  • Crisis Text Line: Text "VT" to 741741
  • NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness): 1.800.950.NAMI
  • SAMSHA National Helpline: 1.800.662.HELP (4357)
  • National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1.800.273.TALK (8255); TTY: 1.800.799.4TTY (4889)
  • Steve Fund Crisis Text Line: Text "STEVE" to 741741
    • a 24/7 text line for young people of color
  • Trevor Lifeline: 1.866.488.7386 or text "START" to 678678
    • A national 24/7 suicide prevention hotline for LGBTQ+ youth.