Home > Crisis Intervention
Crisis Intervention
Important! If you or a friend are in immediate crisis…
- (Regular Business Hours; M-F, 8:00-5:00) – Call or visit the Counseling Center at 912-478-5541 (Statesboro) or 912-344-2529 (Armstrong) and inform the receptionist that you need to be seen as soon as possible for a crisis screening. We are located at Bldg #435 on Forest Drive (Statesboro) and Compass Point (Armstrong). Special parking available for clients – Contact the Counseling Center for more information.
- (After Hours) – If it is after hours, call the Georgia Southern Counseling Center at 912-478-5541(Statesboro) or 912-344- 2529 (Armstrong) and select option 2 to speak with an on-call 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).
- (Alternative Option) – 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 us via email or through forms located on the website.
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.
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 therapists at the GSU Counseling Center 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) and ask them to contact the on-call therapist who will schedule a meeting with you as soon as possible.
How can I help a friend?
If you are concerned a friend may be suicidal, ask him or her 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 him or her 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 him/her from taking their life and allow the person to explore their own reasons to live.
You can offer to accompany your friend directly to help. 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) and ask them to contact the on-call therapist who will schedule a meeting with you as soon as possible. If your 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?
Warning statements may include:
- “I wish I were dead”
- “If X doesn’t happen, I’m going to kill myself”
- “Others would be better off without me”
- “I’m going to end it all”
- “Soon you won’t have to worry about me anymore”
- Leaving messages for friends & family that seem like a good-bye
Risk factors include:
- Previous suicide attempts
- Substance abuse
- Untreated mental illness
- Lack of social support
- Feelings of hopelessness
- Feeling like a burden to others
- Impulsivity
- Access to lethal means
Warning behaviors may include:
- Isolating
- Lack of motivation for school or work
- Sudden interest or disinterest in religion
- Giving away prized possessions or putting personal affairs in order
- Obtaining weapons or means to self-harm
- Moods of depression, hopelessness or moodiness
Protective factors include:
- Strong supportive relationships
- Access to counseling
- Ability to control emotions/frustrations
- Positive coping strategies
- Hope & plans for the future
- Feeling of responsibility for others’ well-being
- Limited access to means
- Spiritual beliefs that discourage suicide
Local Suicide Prevention Resources
- East Georgia Regional Medical Center
1499 Fair Road
Statesboro, GA
(912) 486-1000
- Statesboro/Bulloch County Sheriff’s Dept.
(912) 764-8888
- Statesboro Police Dept.
(912) 764-9911
- Sexual Assault Crisis Hotline
(912) 531-1771 Pinelands Mental Health Helpline
(912) 764-5125
OR 1-800-PINELAND
- Domestic Violence Safe Shelter
(912) 764-4605
- Savannah Rape Crisis Center
(912) 233-7273
- St. Joseph’s Candler Call Care Center
800-622-6877
OR (912) 921-3360
National Suicide Prevention Resources
- 1-800-SUICIDE OR 1-800-273-TALK
- (1-800-784-2433) (1-800-273-8255)
Last updated: 6/19/2020
