Crisis Intervention

If you are concerned for the immediate safety of yourself and/or others, call 911.

Important!

If you or a friend are in immediate crisis…

Crisis intervention is a service offered to students who are in serious, immediate emotional distress. Clinicians are on call 24 hours a day to handle emergencies such as suicide attempts, rape or attempted rape, physical assaults, and other types of crises.

During Mondays through Fridays, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Call or visit the Counseling Center at 912-478-5541 (Statesboro) or 912-344-2529 (Armstrong) and inform the receptionist that you need a crisis screening. We are located at Building #435 on Forest Drive (Statesboro) and Compass Point (Armstrong). Special parking available for clients – Contact the Counseling Center for more information.

You may also call the local police at 911 or Georgia Southern University Police Department at 912-478-5234 (Statesboro) or (912) 344-3333 (Armstrong).

Do NOT attempt to contact the Counseling Center via email or through forms located on the website.

After-Hours, Weekends, and Holidays

Call the Counseling Center at 912-478-5541 (Statesboro) or 912-344-2529 (Armstrong) and select option 2 on the voicemail to be connected to the crisis counselor.

You may also call the local police at 911 or Georgia Southern University Police Department at 912-478-5234 (Statesboro) or 912-344-3333 (Armstrong).

The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline also provides 24/7, confidential support to anyone in a mental health-related distress. Dial “988” from anywhere in the United States to be connected to crisis intervention.

You may also choose to access the Georgia Crisis Access Line (GCAL) at 1-800-715-4225. GCAL provides services 24 hours/day, 7 days/week, 365 days/year. GCAL provides telephonic crisis intervention services, dispatches mobile crisis teams, and other services. They also have a text and chat option via an app called My GCAL. For more information, visit the GCAL website. GCAL services are free and confidential.

Do NOT attempt to contact the Counseling Center via email or through forms located on the website.

How do I ask for help if I’m feeling suicidal?

If you are having thoughts of suicide, please don’t be afraid to ask for help. Many individuals struggle with thoughts of ending their life, and we want to work with you to manage these distressing thoughts and keep you safe. You will not shock or scare us if you reach out for help, nor will you be penalized.

You do not have to go through this alone. Find a friend, community leader, professor, or parent you trust and tell someone how you’re feeling.

Visit or call the Counseling Center during regular business hours (M-F, 8-5) at 912-478-5541 (Statesboro) or 912-344-2529 (Armstrong) and request a crisis screening. During weekends or after hours during the week, either visit the ER or call Campus Police at 912-478-5234 (Statesboro) or 912-344-3333 (Armstrong).

How can I help a friend?

If you are concerned a friend may be suicidal, ask them in a caring and supportive way, but be direct. The only way to know if your friend is talking about suicide is to ask the question. You should specifically ask “Are you having thoughts about suicide?” so there is no misunderstanding.

If your loved one is suicidal, it can be a relief for them to talk about it and may decrease the chances of an impulsive act. Give your loved one a chance to talk about their problems, listen without judging, and express your care and support for the person. It may help to ask the individual what prevents them from taking their life and allow the person to explore their own reasons to live.

Visit or call the Counseling Center during regular business hours (M-F, 8-5) at 912-478-5541 (Statesboro) or 912-344-2529 (Armstrong) and request a crisis screening. During after-hours, weekends, and holidays, either take them to the ER or call Campus Police at 912-478-5234 (Statesboro) or 912-344-3333 (Armstrong). If your friend or loved one is not a Georgia Southern student, call 911 or contact your local emergency room. Georgia residents may call the Georgia Crisis and Access Line at 1-800-715-4225 for an assessment over the phone.

What warning signs should I look for?

If you are concerned for the immediate safety of yourself and/or others, call 911.

Here are some strategies for recognizing and responding to distress as well as how to recognize and respond to suicide risk.

Crisis resources and hotlines can be found here. Other on-campus resources for students can be found here. Resources for faculty and staff can be found here.

Last updated: 7/18/2022