Supporting Student's Mental Health

The Counseling Center offers short-term services to currently registered students.

Learn more about our services here

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I say to a distressed student?

Listening to the student is essential. Invite the student to express their thoughts and feelings.

You can do this by asking questions. Show concern by saying, “I’ve noticed you have been missing class often. How have you been?” This shows your interest and will start a dialogue to refer the student to the appropriate services.

Encouraging help-seeking is the goal of your conversation.

Help them schedule an appointment with the appropriate resource or, if they consent, walk them over to the appropriate office. Use the interaction guide to refer appropriately.

If the student shares or exhibits behaviors that suggest he or she might harm himself or herself, or anyone else, or if you feel threatened, immediately call 956-326-2911 or 911.

Asking a student if he or she is having thoughts about suicide will not “put the idea” in the person’s head. Learn to recognize warning signs and how to intervene with a person who you think might be at risk for suicide by signing up for the gatekeeper training.

Gatekeeper Trainings

Additional Resources: Learn easy ways to support your student's mental health with The Jed Foundation Faculty Guide to Supporting Student Mental Health .

Plus IconMinus IconWhat happens if I walk-over a student I am concerned about?

Only walk over a student who has consented to you walking them over to our office.

If you feel the student might harm him or herself or someone else, immediately contact TAMIU PD at 956.326.2911 or through the SafeZone App

⇒Download SafeZone ⇐

If the student is consenting for you to walk them to our office, the student will be greeted by our staff assistant, who will then guide the student on the next steps to schedule an appointment. It is recommended that you walk the student in and then leave so they can provide the necessary information without feeling pressured.

Plus IconMinus IconIf I just give you the name of a student I am worried about, can the Counseling Center call the student in for an appointment?

The Counseling Center does not make uninvited calls or invitations to students whom they are not actively serving if it is a non-emergency situation.

Our services are voluntary, meaning the student has to seek the service him or herself. In non-emergency situations, Counseling Center staff can consult with you about what you can do to encourage a student to use our services. Please consult the interaction guide.

Interaction Guide

I send students to the Counseling Center regularly. How do I find out whether they actually went, who they saw, and what happened?

State laws protect the confidentiality of students who seek services with the Counseling Center. Therefore, information cannot be released about the student to anyone (including parents, faculty, staff, or friends), unless we have a completed authorization form from the student.

Learn more: Texas Statutes