Emergency help is available if you or someone you know is in immediate crisis:

• If there is an emergency on campus, call the Vanderbilt University Police Department (VUPD) at (615) 421-1911. (The non-emergency VUPD number is (615) 322-2745.)

• If there is an emergency off campus, call 911.

• If you or someone you know needs immediate medical assistance, they should visit the nearest emergency room. The closest emergency room to campus is the Vanderbilt University Medical Center Emergency Room located at 1211 Medical Center Drive, Nashville, TN 37232.

If you or someone you know needs to speak with a University Counseling Center professional immediately:

• If you or someone you know needs to speak with a professional counselor immediately, the University Counseling Center offers Urgent Care Counseling during the summer and academic year. Students may call the UCC at (615) 322-2571 to speak with a clinician. If you are calling after hours, you will be transferred to an answering service with mental health providers on call.

  • During the academic year (Fall and Spring semesters) Urgent Care hours are from 10:00am to 4:00pm Monday through Friday
  • During the summer months Urgent Care hours are from 10:00am to 3:00pm Monday through Friday

Students should go to the Vanderbilt Psychiatric Hospital (M-F, 8am - 11pm and Sat-Sun, 8am - 8pm) or to the VUMC ER for acute assessment and support if UCC Urgent Care Counseling hours are closed and it is an emergency.

If you or someone you know would like to speak by phone or text with a trained urgent care counselor, there are nation-wide services available:

• Text VANDY to the Crisis Text Line at 741741 to communicate with a trained crisis counselor, from anywhere in the United States, anytime, about any type of crisis

• Students of color can also text STEVE to the Crisis Text Line at 741741 to speak with an urgent care counselor dedicated to supporting the mental health and emotional wellbeing of students of color.

• Call the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988.

You should submit a Student of Concern Form if you identify a student who is exhibiting concerning behavior related to their personal, physical, or emotional wellbeing and:

• You would like someone else to be aware of the issue;
• You believe the student needs immediate follow-up;
• You believe the student needs ongoing support;
• You have updated information about a previous report you filed; or
• You want advice on how to interact with or support the student.

If you are unsure whether you should submit a report, please contact Student Care Coordination at (615) 343-9355.

You may share with the student that you are submitting a form to help them find support, or you may submit an anonymous form.

Once a Student of Concern Form is submitted, appropriate staff in Student Care Coordination will review and assess the information in order to determine the best course of action for follow-up. Follow-up is individually tailored and, where possible, relationship-driven, and it may include a staff member reaching out to the student directly and working with the student on a success plan or appropriate referrals. A staff member may contact the reporting party for additional information. A reporting party may not receive any specific follow-up information due to privacy laws and regulations.

Early detection and intervention are important. Spotting changes early and stepping in can make a big difference. To identify a student who might be struggling, look for shifts in how they perform, behave, or carry themselves. This might include changes in academic performance, physical changes, and behavioral changes. When you notice several of these changes together, it's a strong signal that they may be facing challenges.   

When identifying a person who may be in distress, how can you approach them to offer support effectively?  

Start by considering a series of thoughtful questions and actions.  

• Where is a quiet place where you can talk privately without interruption?   
• How can you express your care and concern genuinely?  
• Do you have VU Resources available?   

Persuading someone to seek help involves empathy, compassion, and clear communication. Begin by expressing genuine concern for their wellbeing and explaining why you're worried, focusing on specific behaviors or changes you have noticed.  Gently highlight the benefits of seeking support, such as improved mental health and access to resources that can facilitate positive change and offer hope.  

Student Care Coordination (SCC) acts as a helpful starting point for students looking to connect with resources that match their specific needs. SCC is committed to linking students with the right support for their challenges. 

• Encourage students to visit the SCC website and complete an online intake form or share the phone number (615) 343-9355 so they can schedule an appointment.  
• Offer to assist the students with this process, whether by helping fill out the intake form, making the phone call together, or accompanying them to SCC drop-in hours. This support can make a significant difference.  
• Encourage them to explore the Student Care Network website at their own pace to discover the variety of health and wellness resources available.  
• Keep the lines of communication open by assuring them that you're there to listen. Periodically check in with simple questions like “How have you been?” to show ongoing support and care.  
• Submit a Student of Concern Form to connect the student with the appropriate resources and support they need to enhance their wellbeing and academic success. 

For your wellbeing, visit the Student Care Network website to explore available health and wellness resources.