Counseling Center

Get Help Now

IF YOU OR SOMEONE YOU KNOW IS EXPERIENCING AN IMMEDIATE LIFE-THREATENING EMERGENCY, CALL THE PITT POLICE AT 412-624-2121 OR DIAL 911 IMMEDIATELY.

Get Help For Yourself
Mental Health Crisis

If you are experiencing a crisis that requires immediate attention you may speak with a counselor at any time 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

  • Any student requiring support for an urgent or crisis situation may call the UCC at 412-648-7930 at any time to speak directly with a clinician.
  • You may also call the Pitt Police at 412-624-2121.
Sexual Assault Crisis

If you have experienced a recent sexual assault or are feeling unsafe in your relationship, please know that you are not alone and sexual violence is not your fault. Support is here for you.

  • Any student requiring support for an urgent or crisis situation may call the UCC at 412-648-7930 at any time to speak directly with a clinician.
  • You may also call the Pitt Police at 412-624-2121.
Other Crisis Resources
  • re:solve Crisis Network is the Allegheny County crisis agency staffed with professional mental health clinicians 24/7. Call them at 1-888-796-8226 or visit their facility at 333 North Braddock Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15208.
  • 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline provides free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24/7. Call 988. (TTY - Use your preferred relay service or dial 711 then 988)
  • The Crisis Text Line is a free and confidential text message service for people in crisis 24/7. Text HOME to 741741.

Get Help for Someone Else

If you believe someone has a plan to hurt or kill themselves and you fear they are in imminent danger, stay with that person and call Pitt Police at 412-624-2121 or 911 immediately. If you are not with them, keep the conversation going until you can connect them with help.

Do's & Dont's

DO: DON'T:
  • Let the person talk and listen to them without judgement
  • Reassure them that treatment is available and suicidal feelings are temporary
  • Ask direct questions:
    • Do you ever think about suicide?
    • Do you have a plan to attempt suicide or take your life?
    • Have you attempted suicide before?
    • Have you thought about when you would do it?
    • Have you thought about what method you would use?
  • Try to minimize problems or shame a person into changing their mind
  • Preach about suicide being wrong
  • Leave the person alone or end the phone call until help arrives

Understand the Warning Signs

  • Feeling hopeless or having no purpose
  • Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge
  • Looking for ways to kill oneself
  • Acting anxious, agitated or reckless
  • Drug and/or alcohol abuse
  • Talking about wanting to die or kill oneself

Social Media Postings

  • If a friend has posted suicidal content on Facebook, use the safety tool to get them help.
  • If a friend has posted suicidal content on Twitter, alert Twitter to get them help.
  • If a friend has posted suicidal content on Instagram, report the post to get them help.

Additional Resources

Crisis Resources

In addition to the crisis resources below, we have collected student support resources from the University and external sources to give you access to a wide range of services.

University of Pittsburgh Police
412-624-2121

UCC After-Hours Mental Health Crisis Support
412-648-7930
988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
988
JED Foundation
Trans Lifeline
(877) 565-8860
Seize the Awkward
Text SEIZE to 741741

Crisis Text Line
Text HOME to 741741

Veterans Crisis Line
988 then press 1
Trevor Project
1-866-488-7386 
The Steve Fund
Text STEVE to 741741
American Association for Suicide Prevention
Know the Signs

Pittsburgh Action Against Rape
1-866-363-7273 

Center for Victims
1-866-644-2882 
National Domestic Violence Hotline
1-800-799-7233 
RAINN (Rape, Abuse, Incest National Network)
1-800-656-4673 
Befrienders Worldwide
Suicide Prevention Resource Center
Suicide Prevention Voices of Education

Suicide Prevention at Pitt

Outreach Plan

In addition to providing counseling services for students, UCC provides outreach, education and suicide prevention trainings throughout the academic year. Programs are aimed at increasing awareness and improving suicide prevention skills. Programs are offered campus-wide and are available for staff, faculty, resident assistance and students.
 
Within the first month of the spring and fall semesters, all students will receive an email from the Office of Student Affairs with information about suicide prevention and mental health support resources.

Postintervention Plan

In the event of a campus emergency, the University maintains a protocol for communicating with students, faculty and staff. In addition, counseling and support will be made available to all students affected by such an event. For more information, please contact the Office of the Dean of Students.

Last revised 11/2019