Getting Help for a Student of Concern
Whether you are student, faculty, staff or just a concerned friend or loved one, you have many options for helping a student you are concerned about.
Referring a Student to the Student of Concern Committee
If the student you are concerned about demonstrates the following behavior in addition to contacting CPS you
should contact the Students of Concern Committee at studentofconcern@berkeley.edu:
- Demonstrates behavior that places anyone at risk
- Makes worrisome comments or exhibits unusual behavior
- Causes others to be alarmed or frightened
- Makes others uncomfortable or uneasy
- Appears to have lost the ability to function
*** If a student’s behavior represents an immediate threat, call 911. ***
Connecting a student to counseling
Encourage the student to call CPS at 510/642-9494 or visit the Tang Center to initiate Counseling. If the student seems distressed and is not open to idea of counseling, call CPS to consult with a counselor.
Students with urgent concerns, during Tang operational hours
- During CPS operational hours, students with urgent concerns should come to the Tang Center office (3rd floor) and request to see the advice counselor. These visits are on a drop-in basis and no appointment is required.
- Please call to let us know when you refer a student who is in crisis (510/642-9494), and alert us of the student's concerns, and when he or she will be coming to CPS for an appointment.
- Offer to walk the student to our office if you doubt he or she will follow through.
Students with urgent concerns, when Tang is Closed
- You and/or the student can call the After Hours Assistance Line at 510/643-7197 and ask to speak with a counselor.
- Crisis/suicide prevention hotlines: students can call 1–800–273-TALK any time of the day
- For a complete list of community crisis hotlines see Referral List for Crisis/Suicide Prevention Hotlines
Consultation
Counselors are available to consult with students, faculty, and staff regarding various psychological issues that may affect Berkeley students. If you are concerned about a student, call CPS at 510/642-9494 for a telephone consultation. Between 8AM - 5PM counselors are available to take your call. Please let us know the urgency of your concern.
Outreach
CPS offers training and educational workshops to the campus community to
help faculty and staff better assist students. Click here to request an in-person training for your group or office.
- Depression Awareness and Suicide Prevention On-line Training: This brief training will help you learn how to identify and respond to students in distress. After completing this training, please take a moment to fill out this brief survey about its effectiveness.
- How to Assist the Distressed Student: This resource provides an overview of what to do if you are concerned about a student
- Assisting the Emotionally Distressed Student: A Guide for Faculty and Students (pdf) This "tool kit" can help you and your department when difficult occasions arise. It offers straightforward advice, techniques and suggestions on how to cope with, intervene, and assist troubled and/or difficult students in or out of the classroom.
- Look for the Signs is a depression education campaign currently underway on campus.
