Skip Navigation
Search
Division of Student Affairs
Counseling and Psychological Services
 

 

Worried About Someone

Thank you for your care and commitment to supporting a student in distress. Recognizing when and how to act is the first step in making a meaningful difference.

To help effectively, it’s important to assess the situation. Is the student experiencing an emergency, a crisis, or emotional distress?

Emergencies

Emergencies are life-threatening situations that require immediate action. Examples include:

  • The student has expressed (or implied) a plan to seriously harm themselves or others
  • They appear unable to keep themselves safe
  • They attempted suicide within the past 24 hours, even if they now appear stable
  • Their speech or behavior is so disorganized that they may be disconnected from reality

In an emergency:
Call the University Police Department at (631) 632-3333 or 911, and alert the CARE Team immediately.

Crisis Situations

Crisis situations are extremely serious but may not present an immediate threat to life. Examples include:

  • The student is having thoughts of suicide or of harming others
  • They attempted suicide within the last 30 days
  • They have engaged in non-lethal self-injury (e.g., cutting, burning)
  • They are not taking prescribed medications as directed
  • They exhibit bizarre or concerning behavior
  • They are highly agitated and unable to calm down

In a crisis:

Ask the student to call the CAPS Crisis Line at 855-509-5742

If it's during business hours (Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM–12:00 PM & 1:00 PM–5:00 PM), ask the student to call CAPS at (631) 632-6720

Be sure to notify the CARE Team as well.

Emotional Distress

Distress refers to non-urgent mental health struggles that still deserve attention and care. Examples include:

  • Feeling persistently angry, sad, anxious, or overwhelmed
  • Expressing hopelessness about the future
  • Missing classes, work, or other responsibilities
  • Withdrawing from social activities or hobbies
  • Noticeable changes in behavior or mood

When a student is in distress:

  • Listen with empathy and validate what they’re feeling
  • Encourage them to contact CAPS at (631) 632-6720 to schedule an appointment

Let them know that CAPS services are free, confidential, and provided by licensed professionals.

By recognizing the type of concern and knowing how to respond, you’re playing a vital role in helping students access the support they need. Thank you for being part of a caring campus community.