Step 3: HELP
Whether you're giving help or getting help, you'll find ideas for next steps here.
Just Remember...
Even though everyone has mental health, it can still be hard to ask or offer help. If you have an instinct that someone you know is having a hard time, follow that instinct. Reaching out to offer support can save a life. If you are struggling, remember that you are not alone. Getting help is something you deserve.
Learn About Mental Health
Educating yourself on anxiety, depression, coping skills, and other mental health topics can help you move forward. It's okay if you have feelings about the process or if it takes some time to figure things out. You don't need to know everything! Just keep an open mind and try to learn more.
Start here:
Mental Health Basics
Learning about mental health can help us and others cope when we're faced with challenges.
Anxiety
Anxiety can feel overwhelming but it doesn't have to be. Learn strategies you can use anytime, any place.
Depression
You can get unstuck, learn new strategies to feel like yourself again.
Coping Skills
Everyone copes in different ways, find what works for you!
Resources & Supports
Mental health support comes in many forms. From third spaces and education, to professional support and community resources, explore your options on our resource hub.
A few of our most utilized resources include Peer Counseling, the Health Promotion Hideaway, and Campus Community Connections.
Connect With Professionals
Sometimes people may need additional support that only professionals can give.
Pro tip: If you are supporting someone who is ready to get connected to professional support, offer help by finding options, calling with them to schedule appointments, or offering to go with them.
Counseling & Psych Services (CAPS)
Campus Health is full of experts that can provide support or help you find the right fit for care. CAPS offers comprehensive professional mental health services for students at the University of Arizona.
CAPS offers crisis support and has an after hours line you can call if you're in need (520)621-3334.
Care Coordination
If you need additional support finding a counselor, therapist, or additional community supports, you can meet with CAPS Care Coordinators who will walk you through finding options that match your needs.
Provider Directories
Provider Directories are websites that allow you to search for providers in your area. They even allow you to filter based on insurance coverage, specialties, types of therapy and more! If you're looking for an off-campus counselor, therapist, or psychiatrist, try using Psychology Today, Good Therapy, Open Path Collective, or Vitals.
Crisis Support
What is a crisis?
A mental health crisis occurs when intense emotional distress or behavioral instability puts someone at risk of hurting themselves or others or otherwise prevents them from caring for themselves.
Some examples of a mental health crisis are:
- having serious thoughts of self-harm or suicide or aren’t sure how to keep yourself safe
- having serious thoughts about harming or killing someone else
- having strange experiences, such as hearing voices or seeing things that others do not see or hear (hallucinations or other serious symptoms of psychosis)
- being threatened, sexually or physically assaulted, or experiencing other violence in the past few weeks
- experiencing severe disorientation or confusion
What to do:
Take a breath, help is available 24/7.
If you are supporting someone else and you feel safe, try to stay with them until they are linked to a professional like those listed below.
If you need help for yourself, remember there are people who are here to help you. Use a crisis hotline, connect with a professional, or reach out to someone you trust.
Crisis Support Resources
Crisis Support at CAPS
Students can access crisis support services by calling CAPS 24/7 or dropping in CAPS North or CAPS South during crisis hours.
Student supporters can call CAPS for a consultation or escort a student to CAPS during crisis hours.
24/7 Lifelines & Hotlines
Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call, text, or chat 988
Crisis Text Line: Chat online or text HOME to 741741
Arizona Crisis Line: 1-844-534-4673 (HOPE)
UA Crisis Mobile Team
The University of Arizona Crisis Mobile Team (UACMT) is a team of mental health professionals who work either alone or alongside University of Arizona Police to respond to crises on campus. Their team provides de-escalation, assessment, and support to UA students, staff, and faculty.
To request UACMT call 911 or UAPD non-emergency line at 520-621-8273
UACMT is available Mon-Fri 12-8pm (excluding university holidays).
Submit a CARE Report
If you have concerns about a University of Arizona student and feel that they may benefit from contact with the Dean of Student's Office, please complete a CARE report. After submitting a referral form, Dean of Students will work to get students connected to assistance and helpful resources.
This referral is not for immediate support. If you need support right now, please contact CAPS, a hotline, or 911.