Helping a Suicidal Student Remotely

If you are concerned about a student, talk to them privately

---

Listen to their story and let them know you care. Ask directly about suicide, calmly and without judgment. You can ask, “Are you thinking of killing yourself?” Show understanding and take their concerns seriously. Let them know their life matters to you.

A conversation can save a life.

 

If the student says they are thinking about suicide

---

Take the person seriously and be empathic. Ask if they plan to act on these thoughts.

 

If the student has thoughts but no plan

---

• Assist them in connecting with a resource.
• Call CAPS at 707-654-1170 to make an appointment with a counselor.
• The Red Folder - an electronic reference guide that contains safety tips and contact information for a wide variety of emergency campus resources to immediately help any student in distress.
• You can also call a crisis resource together:
  • National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, 1- 800-273-TALK
• Follow up with them after the crisis and let them know you care about their well-being.

 

If the student says they plan to kill themselves, or cannot commit to safety

---

Get Immediate Help

First, see if they are willing to let you help them get immediate help by calling  Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) together at 707 654- 1170 and allow you to facilitate their connection with the counselor. 

CAPS is open 8:30am-4:45pm, Monday-Friday.  Call 707 654-1170.

For after hours and weekends, call the after-hours line 707 654-1170, Option 1

If they are not willing to call the Counseling Center, you can suggest that you together contact the local crisis response team, the National Suicide Hotline (1-800-704-4444), 911, or CSUM Police Department (707-654-1176) in order to assist them in going to the hospital.

If they do not agree to call together, you will need to independently contact emergency resources.