During regular business hours (8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday; 9 a.m. Wednesdays), if you have an urgent mental health need or are in crisis, call the Student Counseling Center at 865-974-2196 to ask for a crisis appointment.

After hours, you can call our number to be connected to a confidential mental health counselor for emergent support. The after-hours crisis counselor cannot make or change appointments at the Student Counseling Center for you. In cases of an immediate threat of harm to self or others, please dial 911 for emergency response, on or off campus.

Here are some common reasons a student might seek an urgent care appointment:

• You worry that may may act on thoughts to hurt yourself (suicide or self-harm) or others.
• You have recently been physically and/or sexually assaulted.
• Someone close to you has died in recent weeks.
• You have not slept in three or more days.
• There is a significant event happening in the next few days you need to make a decision about (such as needing to withdraw from school by a certain deadline).

What To Expect When Speaking with a Crisis Counselor

When you meet with a crisis counselor, they will:

• Ask questions to understand your situation and assess your safety and ability to cope.
• Help you regulate your emotions and calm yourself.
• Explain confidentiality as it relates to the crisis.
• Help you make a plan to address your concerns.
• Offer additional service options such as resources within the Counseling and Mental Health Center, referrals elsewhere on campus or to a counselor off-campus depending on your needs and availability of services.
• Contact police or medical professionals to assist you or others if needed.

Local and National Crisis & Hotline Resources:

Call, text, or chat 988

Text HOME to 741741

LGBTQ+ Students Hotline: Text START to 678678

Students of Color Hotline: Text STEVE 741741

Sexual Assault Hotline: 865-522-7273

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Additional Support for Students in Distress

The University of Tennessee Center for Care and Resilience offers additional support for students by working collaboratively with students and the university to support individuals who are experiencing distress in their lives.

Care Coordinators gather information and assess the factors contributing to the concerns of a student, family member, or administrator. They meet with students to create and implement a plan that supports self-advocacy, growth, and a return to a level of functioning most likely to promote success. That plan includes connecting students to appropriate on-campus and community resources that best support their needs, such as the Student Counseling Center.

If a student wants to request these support services, or if you are concerned about a student who may be showing concerning behaviors, you may complete a referral for yourself or for another student either by calling 865-974-HELP (4357) or completing a referral form.