Supporting Your Student
Resources for Supporting Your Student
Crisis Support and Consultation
Crisis support is available 24/7. If your student has an urgent need or you have an urgent concern about them, call 541-737-2131 or the student may visit our office during on-call clinic hours. Our counselors are also here to support family members seeking professional guidance or resources to help support a student in crisis. Call our office, or for non-urgent concerns, you may also email us at [email protected].
OSU Assist
OSU Assist is a multidisciplinary support team that provides compassionate mobile crisis response and wraparound services for individuals on campus experiencing distress or extenuating circumstances. In situations where there is no threat of violence and no access to weapons, they can respond to distressing situations and suicide ideation, and provide safety planning, resource connections, survivor support, delivery of difficult news, mental health evaluations, and welfare checks.
Starting the Conversation Guide
This guide is designed to provide students and their trusted adults with crucial information about mental health during the college years. We encourage you to read through this guide, learn from it, and use it as a starting point for ongoing conversations about mental health.
Student Care Team
The Student Care Team (SCT) is here to support your student when comprehensive care is needed. The SCT is made up of dedicated OSU professionals who work closely together to provide coordinated support, address any behaviors or needs that may affect your student and the broader university, and connect them with the right resources and interventions.
Transition of Care Guide
If your student received treatment for a mental health condition in high school or earlier, this guide lays out several steps they can take to maintain their well-being while transitioning to and attending college.
Transitioning to College
During high school, students build academic skills and knowledge to prepare for life, but thriving in adulthood requires more than classroom learning. JED Set to Go can equip your student with valuable information, tools, and guidance to navigate the transition from high school to the next chapter.
Finding Long-term or Specialized Care
We partner with Thriving Campus to make it easier for students who need long-term or specialized care to find and connect with off-campus providers. Thriving Campus is a HIPAA-compliant online directory designed for students. With Thriving Campus, students can find providers to match their specific needs and preferences, and easily connect with them to inquire about services.
Recognizing Signs & How to Help
As a parent of a college student, it’s natural to be concerned about their well-being as they navigate this exciting yet challenging phase of life. Being aware of the signs of mental health disorders and the potential for thoughts of suicide is important in providing the support they may need. Here’s what to look out for and how you can help, all with a caring and compassionate approach.
Signs of Mental Health Disorders
Changes in Mood: Noticeable shifts in your student's mood, such as increased irritability, sadness, or anxiety, may be cause for concern.
Withdrawal: If your student is isolating themselves or losing interest in activities they once enjoyed, it might indicate they’re struggling.
Academic Struggles: A sudden drop in grades or a lack of interest in academic responsibilities can be a sign of underlying issues.
Changes in Sleep Patterns: Excessive sleeping or difficulty sleeping are often linked to mental health concerns.
Appetite Changes: Significant weight loss or gain, or changes in eating habits, can signal stress or other issues.
Substance Use: An increase in alcohol or drug use can be a coping mechanism for deeper problems.
Physical Symptoms: Unexplained aches, pains, or chronic fatigue might be manifestations of mental health struggles.
Signs of Suicidal Thoughts
Talking About Suicide: Any mention of suicide, death, or self-harm, even if it seems casual or joking, should be taken seriously.
Expressions of Hopelessness: Statements about feeling trapped, hopeless, or being a burden are red flags.
Behavioral Changes: Sudden calmness or drastic behavior changes after periods of distress can be warning signs.
Giving Away Possessions: Giving away valuable or meaningful items unexpectedly can be a sign of preparing for suicide.
Risky Behavior: Engaging in dangerous or reckless activities can indicate a lack of concern for their own safety.
Saying Goodbye: Unusual or unexpected visits or calls to family and friends to say goodbye should be taken seriously.
Increased Substance Use: Substance use is a risk factor for suicide and can impair judgment.
How You Can Help
Stay Connected: Regularly check in with your student. Open, non-judgmental conversations can provide much-needed support and show them you care.
Encourage Professional Help: If you notice concerning signs, gently encourage your student to seek help from our counselors or other mental health resources. If you need guidance for having conversations around mental health, our counselors are here to help. You may call us during business hours or email us at [email protected] to schedule a phone consultation.
Be Supportive: Let your student know you are there for them, no matter what. Your emotional support can make a significant difference in their life.
Educate Yourself: Learn more about mental health issues and the well-being resources available at OSU so you can provide informed support.
Eligibility for Our Services
All counseling services are available to students enrolled on the Corvallis campus. The cost is fully covered by student fees assessed with tuition.
If a student is not currently enrolled in classes, but were last term and will be next term, they may access any of our services with payment of the Health Service fee. The fee will be charged to their account after their first individual or group therapy appointment. There is no charge for consultations or urgent on-call clinic appointments.
While CAPS is not available to Cascades students, therapy can be accessed through Counseling Services on the Cascades campus. They can also get free 24/7 support and arrange short-term counseling through Anytime Anywhere.
Currently enrolled Ecampus students residing in Oregon may access any of our counseling services with payment of the Health Service fee. The fee will be charged to their account after their first individual or group therapy appointment (there is no charge for consultations or urgent on-call clinic appointments). Anytime Anywhere, however, is always available to Ecampus students for free. Ecampus students not currently enrolled in classes, but who were last term and will be next term, may access any of our services with payment of the Health Service fee.
While our on-site services are not available to students enrolled at Hatfield, free 24/7 support is available through Anytime Anywhere. We are also happy to help if you would like assistance finding a counselor in your area. Simply arrange a phone consultation, and one of our triage specialists will guide you.
While our on-site services are not available to students enrolled at the Portland Center, free 24/7 support is available through Anytime Anywhere. We are also happy to help if you would like assistance finding a counselor in your area. Simply arrange a phone consultation, and one of our triage specialists will guide you.
Because each state has its own licensing boards and regulations, we can only provide services to students located in Oregon. However, we would be happy to provide guidance with finding a counselor in your area. Please schedule a phone consultation, and a triage specialist will work with you on finding support.