Crisis Support

Emergency 

During office hours: You DO NOT need an appointment, please walk in if you need immediate assistance.

After office hours: If you need immediate assistance after 5 p.m. or on weekends, you can speak with a counselor-on-call by dialing 843.953.5640 and choosing menu option #3. If this is a life-threatening emergency, please call 911.  

As a family member, friend, faculty or staff member, you are in the position to recognize behavioral changes that may indicate a student is experiencing emotional distress. Your ability to recognize the signs of emotional distress and direct the student to appropriate resources is an important part of the coordinated effort to support the student’s well-being. 

Assisting a Student in Distress

Signs of Distress 

  • Change in level of functioning
  • Inability to concentrate 
  • Persistent worrying 
  • Social isolation/withdrawal 
  • Increased irritability, restlessness 
  • Mood swings 
  • Disheveled appearance 

 

What can I do to help?

Offer support

Express your concern and care for the student. Focus on your observations if approaching them before they have disclosed anything specific.

For example, "I've noticed you've been quiet during class this past week and that seems different for you." If a student dislcoses personal or sensitive information, focus on assisting them with connecting to resources.

For example, "I'm concerned about you given how much you've shared is on your plate right now. Since I'm not the best person to help you figure that out, I think it would be helpful for me to loop in others on campus who would be able to help."

If in doubt what resource would be helpful, either the Counseling Center or Office of the Dean of Students is a good place to start. 

Referrals

With the student's permission, one of our staff members will be happy to contact the student directly. You might also consider calling the Counseling Center with the student in your office to help them set up an appointment. If you believe a student’s situation is urgent and it is during business hours, please walk them over to the Counseling Center for immediate assistance.   

Consultation

If you are unsure of how to approach a situation with a student who may be in distress, our counselors are available for consultation. 

F.A.S.T report

If you are concerned about a student’s behavior or well-being, you can submit a FAST report that will be reviewed by our Student’s of Concern Committee. You may not get a response back from the committe, but all reports are reviewed, triaged, and followed-up on. 

Life Threatening Emergencies

If you believe a student poses an immediate danger to themselves or others, contact Public Safety at 843.953.5609 or contact 911.