If you are concerned about a student and feel they may benefit from services provided by our office please feel free to reach out via phone or e-mail and/or provide our contact information to the student directly. (See the "Contact Us" information located on the righthand side of this page)
24/7 support line: 833-855-0079
If a student is needing services outside of our regular office hours you can direct them to the 24/7 support line. This is a mental health support line for in-the-moment support and linkages to no cost Telehealth and in-person treatment sessions provided by a diverse network of licensed mental health clinicians. Personal Student Navigators are available to assist with referral coordination and support regardless of time of day or your location. Call anytime, anyplace, at 833-855-0079.
Outreach
Counselors are available to provide classroom presentations on a variety of counseling related and wellness topics. Contact us at 678-359-5585 to discuss a presentation for your group or class.
Consultation
Counselors are available to consult with faculty or staff, campus groups, administrative offices, or others who may be concerned about issues potentially affecting the personal and academic achievement of students. We can assist in dealing with a student in crisis, help assess a difficult situation, facilitate interventions, or provide resources and/or make referrals where appropriate.
What is disruptive behavior?
Behavior that interferes with other students, faculty, or staff and their access to an appropriate education or work environment is considered disruptive. Some examples of disruptive behavior are yelling/screaming, persistent and unreasonable demands for time and attention, words or actions that have the effect of intimidating or harassing another, words or actions that cause another to fear for his/her personal safety, threats of physical assault.
How should I handle disruptive person?
Remain clam. Many disruptive situations involve anger. Recognize that the period of peak anger usually lasts 20-30 seconds. If the person de-escalates, then you can calmly talk with them and take steps to resolve the conflict. If, however, the person does not de-escalate, then you many need to remove yourself from the situation and contact Public Safety at 5010 or in an emergency 5111.
What do we mean when we say distressed person?
Sometimes students exhibit behaviors that may be worrisome and may indicate that they are coping with a serious mental health problem. Mental health issues can alter the content of students' communication and/or their behavior in the classroom. For example, an otherwise academically successful student may become withdrawn, depressed, and potentially suicidal. The depression may lead to poor grades, lack of attention in class, and other similar behaviors.
Potential Signs of distress
- Marked change in academic performance or other behavior
- Excessive absence or tardiness
- Exaggerated emotional response that is obviously inappropriate to the situation
- Feelings of depression or hopelessness
- Hyperactivity or very rapid speech
- Marked change in personal hygiene and/or attire
- Excessive confusion
- Dependency (individual hangs around or makes excessive appointments to see you)
- Strange or bizarre behavior indicating loss of contact with reality
- Verbal or written references to suicide
- Verbal or written references to homicide or assaultive behavior
- Isolation from friends, family, or classmates
If you are concerned a student may be considering suicide
If immediate action is required, call Public Safety at 5111. If not imminently suicidal and during the regular work day (8-5), call the Counseling center for consultation. Outside of the hours of 8-5, contact Public Safety.
Suicide Risk Factors
- Mental disorders, particularly mood disorders, schizophrenia, anxiety disorders, and certain personality disorders
- Alcohol and other substance use disorders
- Hopelessness
- Impulsive and/or aggressive tendencies
- History of trauma or abuse
- Major physical illness
- Previous suicide attempt
- Family history of suicide
- Job or financial loss
- Loss of relationship
- Easy access to lethal means
- Lack of social support and sense of isolation
- Stigma associated with asking for help
- Lack of health care, especially mental health and substance abuse treatment
- Cultural and religious beliefs, such as that suicide is a noble resolution of a personal dilemma
- Exposure to others who have died by suicide