Students in college and graduate school often are under a great deal of stress. Sometimes things become so overwhelming that a student can’t function the way that they usually can. Often, it is those closest to the student – friends, family members, significant others, and faculty or staff members – who see the first signs of a problem.
You may not be able to solve the problems or be a counselor, but you can support the student in getting the help they may need. We hope the resources below will help you understand your options in referring a student for assistance.
Download our helpful two-page guide, “Supporting Students Employee Guide,” to learn more about what to look for and when and where to seek help: Supporting Students Employee Guide 2024 2025
You can also download a handy slide about the Counseling Center to use in your presentations: Counseling Center Slide.
Responding to a Struggling Student
This brief video shows an example of how a faculty or staff member can have a supportive conversation with a student who is struggling, ask questions to understand what is happening and provide resources based on what the student needs.
Resources for Students
The resources below provide support and care for students who are struggling. Remember that if a student poses an immediate threat to themselves or anyone else, call 911.
Crisis or Immediate Assistance
Husky HelpLine: 206-616-7777
- Same-day and crisis support from licensed professional counselors
- Operates 24/7
SafeCampus: 206-685-7233
- Anonymous resource to discuss concerns about a student
- Individualized consultation and support from trained violence prevention and response specialists
- Monday through Fridays 8am to 4pm
UW Counseling Center Crisis Support: 206-543-1240
- Crisis support from professional counselors
- Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.; Tuesday 9:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Support and Follow-Up
CARE Team Referral
- A team of experts who can direct you to the right resources if you’re concerned about a student and not sure how to respond.
- Referrals are reviewed within 72 hours of receipt.
LiveWell Confidential Advocates
- Free, confidential support for students, staff and faculty impacted by sexual assault, relationship or domestic violence, stalking, sexual harassment and other related experiences.
- Learn what rights and options you have and get connected to resources for safety and healing.
- Talking to an advocate is NOT making a report, but advocates can help you make a university or police report if you choose.
LiveWell Peer Wellness Coaches
- Highly trained student employees work one-on-one with students on a range of health and well-being issues, like: loneliness, relationship conflicts, anxiety and stress management, social media impacts on your mental health, sleep issues and communication skill building.
- Coaching is free and appointments can be made quickly online.
UW Counseling Center Non-Crisis Support: 206-543-1240
- Non-crisis mental health care, including individual and group counseling, drop-in support and workshops.
- A collection of mental health resources is available on the Counseling Center website.
Husky Health Center: 206-685-1011
- Medical services including primary care, reproductive care and gender-affirming care.
- Same-day appointments available for urgent medical needs.
- Husky Health Center providers are often an early resource for students who have questions or concerns about their mental health. HHC works in close partnership with the UW Counseling Center and LiveWell to coordinate care and promote student health and well-being.
Title IX Concerns
- Online reporting tool to connect students with a Title IX case manager.
- For concerns related to Title IX, including but not limited to sexual assault or harassment, stalking and relationship violence.
Bias Reporting Tool
- Online tool to report incidents of bias or violations of UW nondiscrimination policies.
- Can be submitted anonymously.
Additional Resources
- Academic Support Programs: 206-685-8299
- CIRCLE (Center for International Relations and Cultural Leadership Exchange) : 206-685-4004
- Civil Rights Investigation Office: 206-616-2028
- Community Standards & Student Conduct: 206-685-6194
- Disability Resources for Students: 206-221-9117
- Financial Aid: 206-543-6101
- Global community resources
- For F-1 and J-1 international students, Huskies planning overseas travel and more
- International student resources directory
- ISS (International Student Services): 206-221-7857
- LiveWell: Center for Advocacy & Health Promotion
- Office of Minority Affairs & Diversity: 206-685-0518
- Office of the Ombud: 206-543-6028
- Office of Student Veteran Life: 206-221-0830
- Q Center (LBGTQIA support): 206-897-1430
- Samuel E. Kelly Ethnic Cultural Center: 206-543-4653
- Student Legal Services: 206-543-6486
Resources for Faculty & Staff
Husky HelpLine: 206-616-7777
- Gives faculty/staff access to consultation in supporting students (UW students can also access the HelpLine).
SafeCampus: 206-685-7233
- Call SafeCampus at any time during business hours to anonymously discuss safety and well-being concerns for yourself or others.
Employee Assistance Program
- Provides support for personal concerns and promotes individual and workplace well-being. Includes counseling, legal services, family support and more.
How Do I Create a Supportive Classroom Environment?
Faculty and staff play a crucial role in supporting the mental health of students. You can support students by:
- Increase awareness of and education around mental health.
- Encourage open and non-judgmental communication, and create a safe space for students to discuss concerns.
- Refer students to the resources above on this page.
- Being understanding and flexible with academic policies, and considering providing reasonable accommodations.
- Encouraging students to prioritize self-care and well-being.
- Serving as a role model by demonstrating good self-care practices, maintaining healthy boundaries, and fostering a supportive and inclusive environment.
- Respecting student privacy and maintaining confidentiality when dealing with mental health concerns.
- Providing ongoing training and professional development opportunities for fellow faculty/staff members to enhance their knowledge.
- Collaborate with student organizations focused on mental health advocacy and support.
How Can I Ensure a Student I’m Concerned about Gets Support?
Ask the student! You don’t need details, but you can ask if they decided to seek help, if they’ve made an appointment, etc. Due to state law and professional ethics, the Counseling Center cannot release any information without signed authorization from the student. Some students may be willing to allow their counselor to consult with a friend, family member or concerned faculty/staff member if there is a specific reason.
Politically Charged News Support
The UW Counseling Center has created resources to help faculty, staff and students navigate politically charged happenings. The PowerPoint presentation Supporting Students & Each Other gives an overview of stressors and impacts students may be experiencing, ways to provide emotional support and helpful responses, describes campus and personal mental health resources, and includes a links to our Politically Charged News Toolkit for Students and a handout on addressing emotionally or politically charged news with students.
