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Concerned about a Jaguar?

Student Counseling Center
Concerned about a Jaguar?
Support

Mental health problems are a concern for many college students, and it can impact life both in and out of the classroom.  If you are concerned about the mental wellbeing of an A&M-SA student, there are several resources you can utilize to assist them in getting the assistance they need: 

  • Anyone who has concerns about a student’s mental wellbeing may consult with a Student Counseling Center (SCC) licensed clinician by calling the main line 210-784-1331 (Available 24/7).  
  • Invite the student to accompany you to the Student Counseling Center in Madla 120 and visit the office with them. At that time, SCC staff will determine if a same day crisis appointment or scheduled initial consultation appointment is most appropriate for the student.  
  • If there are no current risk and/or safety concerns, file a CARE referral through the Dean of Students' office. A representative from the Dean of Student’s office will then reach out to the student to offer support and connect them to resources. 
  • Speak with the student directly and express your concerns. Provide the student Counseling Center’s phone number (210) 784-1331 (Available 24/7) and location (Madla 120) and encourage him/her/them to schedule an appointment when they feel ready. 
  • If this situation is an emergency and/or a student has a weapon or threatened you, immediately call 911.

When should I refer a student to the Student Counseling Center?

Please consider referring the student to the Student Counseling Center if you notice the following concerns and/or changes in behavior:

Abrupt changes in behavior, hygiene, or appearance, anxiety about a family situation or relationship difficulty, unusual behavior or disjointed thoughts, chronic fatigue and lack of energy, inappropriate behavior which interferes with the students academic, occupational, and/or social functioning, irritability, aggressive, or abrasive behaviors, noticeable fearfulness, tearfulness, or nervousness, preoccupation with death, poor class attendance, self-injurious behavior (e.g., cutting, hitting, burning), sense of aimlessness, no purpose in life, or feeling like a burden to friends and family, signs of alcohol or substance misuse, suicidal thoughts such as I want to go to sleep and never wake up, withdrawal from friends and/or family members. 

What should I say to a distressed student?

It is important to talk to a student about your concerns. Below is a brief step-by-step example of speaking with a distressed student.

  • Directly communicate your concern to the student: I’ve noticed you missed several classes over the past two weeks. How have you been? Directly ask questions: I noticed you wrote a paper about death for last week's assignment. Have you had thoughts about death or suicide?
  • Refer to resources: Student Counseling Center, 210-784-1331 (Available 24/7).
    • Additional 24/7/365 resources:
      • A&M San Antonio Police Department: 210-784-1911
      • The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 800-273-8255
      • National Crisis Text Line: Text Help to 741-741
  •  Encourage help-seeking: Support the student by helping them schedule an appointment or walk them to the SCC.

What do I do if the student is reluctant to reach out for help and the situation is not a crisis?

Remember that seeking therapy is a personal choice, avoid forcing the issue; simply restate your concerns and the available options. Suggest that confronting a concern is a positive sign of growth and maturity. Acknowledge, validate, and discuss the student’s concerns about visiting the Student Counseling Center.  You can share with the student that SCC licensed clinicians have years of experience working with college students. Remind them that SCC services are free and confidential (as the law allows). Be friendly, remain open and available to help in the future. Suggest they take some time to think it over. You can also recommend the student follow the SCC on Instagram (@tamusastudentcounseling) as an approachable and convenient way to connect with our office.