Crisis Support
If you or someone you know is experiencing situations such as the following, they may be in a crisis:
- Having thoughts of suicide and/or are not sure they can keep themselves safe.
- Usual coping strategies are becoming dangerous.
- Having thoughts of harming someone else and may act on them.
- Hearing voices or seeing things that no one else sees or hears.
- Feeling physically or emotionally unsafe.
- Knows someone who is in a life-threatening situation.
If you don’t know if your situation is a crisis or not, it’s better to call us at 847-491-2151 and seek guidance rather than endure it on your own. We’re here to help!
Accessing Crisis Support
If a student is experiencing a crisis or a high level of distress, CAPS has counselors available in-person, virtually, and by phone during normal business hours, and by phone outside of normal business hours. If you do choose to walk into the office, it’s helpful for us if you give a heads-up by calling the CAPS front desk at 847-491-2151, though this is not necessary to receive an appointment. Click here for our hours and locations information.
Are you worried about a student?
Family, friends, faculty, and staff may consult with CAPS staff about their concerns regarding a student. Call 847-491-2151 and ask to speak to the on-call counselor. CAPS is required by law to keep counseling and relationships with clients confidential, but we can consult about how to approach various problems and concerns with your student and help you connect them to resources. Learn more about CAPS consultation services here.
More Resources
General Resources
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline – dial 988 or connect to a live chat counselor.
- Mandar la palabra "AYUDA" al numero 988 para servicios en español. (Text AYUDA to 988 for services in Spanish.)
- Veterans can call 988 and press “1” to receive specialized support.
- Crisis Text Line – text HOME to 741-741.
- Services are available in Spanish.
- Text STEVE to 741-741 to be connected to a provider specializing in supporting individuals of color.
- Services are also available on WhatsApp.
- Boy’s Town National Hotline – call 1-800-448-3000 or text VOICE to 20121.
- Spanish-speaking counselors are available.
- Translation services for more than 100 languages are available.
Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Resources
Substance Abuse Resources
BIPOC Resources
LGBTQ Resources
Veteran Resources
View more Suicide Prevention and Training resources at Northwestern.