Student Crisis Support
CWS provides support and resources for students who are experiencing a mental health crisis. Our counseling center provides walk-in crisis appointments, resources for after-hours care, as well as guidance for those concerned about a student.
Crisis Services
CWS offers walk-in appointments for students experiencing a mental health crisis, including, but not limited to:
- risk of harm to self/others
- auditory/visual hallucinations
- recent death of someone close
- a recent traumatic event such as a sexual assault, arrest of a loved one, or eviction
Crisis Walk-In Hours
The counseling center sets aside time each afternoon for walk-in crisis appointments. However, students in crisis are encouraged to reach out at any time within office hours. Outside of office hours, please call the 24/7 National Crisis Line at 988.
Crisis Hours
Monday-Friday
1PM-4PM
Office Hours
Monday-Friday
8AM-5PM, Closed 12-1PM for Lunch
Students interested in a walk-in crisis appointment will need to complete the initial paperwork through our Client Portal or in Martin 225 within office hours. Walk-in crisis appointments are scheduled based on need and severity, meaning some students may be seen ahead of others.
Looking to connect immediately with a counselor without completing paperwork? EWU students who are 18+ can call the 24/7 BetterMynd Support Line at (844) 287-6963.
CONCERNED COMMUNITY MEMBERS
If you are concerned about an EWU student and would like to alert the university that they may need additional support including crisis resources, please use the ICARE Form through Student Accommodations and Support Services.
All CWS services, including crisis services, are voluntary and must be initiated by the student seeking services. CWS can provide consultation to community members regarding a student of concern. Please contact us at 509-359-2366 if you would like to schedule a consultation.
Crisis Resources
National Crisis Line
Call 988 or Text 741741
Veterans Crisis Line
Call 988 then Press 1 or Text 838255
Trevor Lifeline (LGBTQ+)
866-488-7386
Sexual Assault Support Line
509-624-7273
Frontier Behavioral Health
509-838-4651
Spokane Regional Crisis Line
877-266-1818
WA Recovery Helpline
866-789-1511
Trans Lifeline
877-565-8860
Intimate Partner Violence Helpline
Call 509-326-2255 or Text 509-220-3725
The Emily Program
888-364-5977
Suicide Prevention
Suicide is currently the second leading cause of death among college-aged students, but it is preventable.
Most people who report having suicidal thoughts or who have made a plan have not fully decided to end their lives. It is also common for people who are feeling suicidal to show warning signs to family and friends. Because of this, it’s important to learn the signs and symptoms and how to talk to someone if you believe they may be depressed or thinking about suicide. This knowledge can help you recognize when someone may be at risk and connect them with immediate help.
One way to remember how to respond is the LEARN® acronym, developed by Forefront Suicide Prevention. Using these steps can help you take action and support someone who may be struggling.
It is common for people who are feeling suicidal to show warning signs to family, friends, and other important people in their life. Watch for common warning signs and understand the risk factors so you can recognize when someone might be struggling and need support.
Common Signs:
- Talking, joking or researching about death
- Feelings of hopelessness, depression, anxiety, anger, humiliation, or thinking you are a burden to others
- Changes in personality, outlook on life, academic/work performance, sleep issues
- Isolating from others, or from daily life
- Increasing abuse of alcohol/drugs, reckless behavior, giving away possessions
- Statements such as “You won’t have to worry about me anymore.” or “I wish I was never born.”
Risk Factors:
- Previous suicide attempts
- Mental illness, depression, or other mood disorders
- Serious or chronic medical illness or disability
- Veteran status, particularly during transition to civilian life
- History of trauma or abuse
- Prolonged stress or isolation
- Recent tragedy or loss
- Stress from prejudice or discrimination
Suicidal thoughts are always complicated and appear for multiple reasons. A strong sense of isolation is often present – listening openly and acknowledging their hurt is a powerful way to ease their isolation. Starting an empathetic conversation can be this simple: “I’m concerned about you. You don’t seem like your usual self. What’s going on?”
How to show empathy while you listen:
- Listen with compassion. Show them you care by giving your full attention.
- Acknowledge their pain and their feelings.
- Don’t judge. Avoid ‘fixing’ their problem. Realize that their perceptions are their reality.
- Use your own words to reflect back what they have told you, and say, “I’m really sorry you’re going through this.” “Thank you for telling me.”
- Just listen. Those who have really struggled say this helped them the most.
It is a common myth that asking if someone is suicidal will “plant the idea in their head” or make someone more likely to attempt suicide. In actuality, most people who are considering suicide want to talk about it. Often, you will be giving this person their first chance to talk about their distress. Many people who experience suicidal thoughts say that talking about them gives them a sense of relief. By addressing the situation and openly discussing suicide, you can break down that barrier and work towards getting someone the help they need.
Things to Keep in Mind:
- Be calm and direct, ask specifically “Are you thinking about suicide?” or “Are you thinking about killing yourself?”
- You can mention the warning signs you are seeing, for example: “Sometimes when people joke about death, they are thinking about suicide. Are you thinking about suicide?”
- This conversation may take some time. Be comfortable leaving silence in the air.
- Be prepared to hear a “yes”.
If someone says yes, they are thinking about suicide, ask these follow up questions one by one.
- Do you have a time when you’re thinking of doing this?
- Do you have a plan?
- Do you have access to the method to carry out that plan?
Putting time and distance between someone at risk for suicide and the method they plan to use can save a life. Steps you can take to reduce danger include:
- Lock up or temporarily remove from their home firearms
- Lock up all medications, including over-the-counter medications – leave accessible only a one-week supply
- In crisis, lock up belts, ropes, knives, and chemicals
- Keep any keys or codes to locked items safeguarded
- Stay with them until you are able to get help
Take action immediately to help connect the person you are concerned about with the resources they need. Depending on the level of severity and safety concerns, different levels of response may be necessary. When in doubt, 988 is able to provide support, connect with resources, and if needed, dispatch emergency response.
Urgent Crisis Response
- Call 988 or text 741741 to reach the 24/7 National Crisis Line
- Save these numbers to your phone for easy use
- Make the call or text with the person you are concerned about, preferably using their phone so they have access to the number
- 988 is is a network of local crisis lines and may have information about local resources
Emergencies and Immediate Risk of Death or Severe Harm
- Call 911
- Keep in mind, not everyone is comfortable or safe with law enforcement response – use only as a last resort in emergencies
After connecting someone with crisis resources, it is important to follow up. Staying in touch with the person after they have experienced a crisis or been discharged from care can make a difference. Studies show that supportive, ongoing contact can play an important role in suicide prevention.
