You are a critical part of assisting students who need help as well as keeping individuals and the UNT community safe.

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.
 
 

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

To contact the national Suicide Prevention Lifeline, call 988.

 

 

Tips for recognizing individuals in 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.

Level 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

Level 2

  • Repeated requests for special consideration
  • New or regularly occurring behavior that pushes the limits and may interfere with class and/or work
  • Disruptive behavior to other students, faculty, or staff
  • Unusual or exaggerated emotional responses
  • Persistent sadness or unexplained crying
  • High levels of irritability or inappropriate excitement

 Level 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 someone in need?

  • 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

 

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.

 

Walk-In Crisis Services

Trained Crisis Counselors are available during walk-in hours 9 a.m. to 4 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.

 

Faculty and Staff Training

UNT's Counseling and Testing Services offers crisis training to faculty and staff. In addition the team hosts several training that can be found on Bridge.

Staff Community Resources

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