Student Support
Suicide Prevention
At CWU, we value the life and contribution of each and every Wildcat. If you're struggling, there are resources that can help. We commit to providing individuals with helpful services and safety resources. You are not alone.
Getting Help During a Crisis
If you are currently experiencing a life-threatening crisis, please call 911 immediately and request emergency assistance.
Individuals in Crisis
Crisis can mean different things to many different individuals. Common reasons individuals could benefit from crisis support include:
- Thoughts of suicide, self-harm, or harming others
- Recent trauma (including sexual assault, relationship violence, discrimination)
- Recent significant loss
- Strong emotional reaction that does not lessen in response to time and self-soothing
- Frightening or threatening thoughts or experiences
- Highly time-sensitive decision with significant emotional, psychological, or relational impacts
During normal business hours, CWU students can call the Student Counseling Services at 509-963-1391 to request crisis support. Students located in Ellensburg may also come directly to our Center (Black Hall 225-30) Monday through Friday 8:00 A.M. - 4:30 P.M. to obtain crisis support.
For 24/7 mental health and medical services, virtual services are available to CWU students for free through TimelyCare. The local crisis line for Kittitas County is available at 509-925-4168. Call 988 for the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. Text HEAL to 741741 to start a conversation with a trained volunteer crisis counselor (crisistextline.org).
Recognizing Behaviors of Concern
There are several behaviors that can indicate a person is considering suicide. Familiarize yourself with the common behaviors and symptoms. Be mindful of the contributing risk and protective factors that also play a role in mental health.
Some behaviors that should trigger a warning include:
- Direct statements: Any direct expression of suicidal thoughts, such as saying "I want to die" or "I can't go on anymore," should be taken extremely seriously.
- Social withdrawal: A sudden and significant withdrawal from social activities and isolating oneself from friends and family.
- Drastic mood changes: Frequent and extreme mood swings, especially from deep despair to sudden calmness or happiness, could indicate that a person is considering ending their life.
- Increased substance use: Escalating drug or alcohol consumption as a way of coping with emotional pain may signal a serious problem.
- Giving away possessions: Making arrangements to give away belongings or tying up loose ends as if preparing for the end may be an indication of suicidal intent.
It is essential to approach these situations with care and compassion. If you notice any of these signs in someone you know, talk to them openly about your concerns and encourage them to seek professional help immediately. In emergencies, the person needs professional support and intervention as soon as possible. Do not hesitate to contact Emergency Services (911), a Crisis Hotline (988), or text HEAL to 741741.
Suicide prevention is essential for all members of the CWU community, and we are committed to providing you with accessible resources and information.
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Additional Crisis Supports
- TalkNow through TimelyCare (24/7; on-demand video sessions with counselors)
- Kittitas County Crisis Line: 509-925-4168 (24/7; staffed by counselors)
- National Crisis Line: call 988
- Text Crisis Line: Text "HEAL" to 741741 (24/7; staffed by trained volunteers)
- Text Crisis Line: Text "STEVE" to 741741 (24/7 for BIPOC; trained volunteers)
- Trevor Project: 866-488-7386 (24/7; LGBTQI+; trained volunteers)
- Trans Crisis Line: 877-565-8860 (7a-1p Pacific Time; trained volunteers)
- Veterans Crisis Line: 800-273-8255 and Press 1 (24/7; trained volunteers)
- Veterans Text Crisis Line: Text "START" to 838255 (24/7; trained volunteers)
- Lifeline: 800-799-4889 (24/7; TTY or text; trained volunteers)
- En Espanol: 888-628-9454 (24/7; trained volunteers)
- Domestic Violence: 800-799-7233 (24/7; trained volunteers)
- Sexual Assault Hotline: 800-656-4673 (24/7; trained volunteers)
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Concerned Others
If you have reason to believe someone is experiencing a life-threatening mental health emergency, you should call 911 and request emergency assistance.
You can help a suicidal CWU student access a number of support services by completing a Suicide Concern Report, however, this form is only monitored during business hours, and should be completed AFTER connecting someone with emergency resources. The Suicide Concern Report can be completed by anyone who has concerns about a student's ability to keep themselves safe.
If you need to report concerns that don't include risk of suicide but are concerning in other ways, please submit a Concern & Support Form (previously Behaviors of Concern Report). Be sure to select "Student of Concern/Case Management" if you are seeking help for a CWU student.
Anyone concerned about the mental health or welfare of a student may call Student Counseling Services (509-963-1391) during normal business hours and request a phone consultation. While we are unable to provide personal information about any specific student, we can help problem solve your concerns, share resources, and make recommendations. After hours and over the weekend, concerned individuals can call the local crisis line at 509-925-4168 for advice and assistance.
While Student Counseling Services is happy to provide guidance and recommendations, our confidentiality restrictions and practice laws make it difficult to act directly, excluding extreme circumstances. It is often helpful for other Student Engagement and Success offices to know your concerns about a student's welfare.
In addition, any of the crisis line resources listed for individuals will also provide consultation and guidance to those who are concerned about them. You do not personally need to be in crisis, or be a student, to access these support resources.
CWU Counseling Services
Our staff with counseling services are committed to meeting students' needs in a positive, proactive, and cost-efficient manner with quality, up-to-date services.
Visit CWU Counseling ServicesIn-person and Teletherapy Services Available
- Individual and Crisis Services
- Support Groups, Workshops, and Therapy Groups
Call 509-963-1391 for more information or to make an appointment. Phones are answered 8:00a-4:30p Monday through Friday.
For additional mental health and medical services, virtual services are available through TimelyCare.
TimelyCare
Students are invited to visit https://www.timelycare.com to learn more about the services available for medical and mental health care needs available 24/7. See the ‘TalkNow’ option to connect with an available counselor. All general services are funded through student fees and are available to all students, regardless of physical location/campus/center.
Additional Resources
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988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
If you or someone you know is in emotional distress and/or considering suicide, call the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988. Learn about the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
The Suicide & Crisis Lifeline in the U.S. has a Spanish-language phone line at 1-888-628-9454.
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Suicide Concern Report
If you have a concern about a student, please fill out a suicide concern report , and again, if there is an emergency, call 911.
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Not Sure Who to Talk To?
CWU Case Managers help students figure out first steps towards accessing the resources best suited to their unique circumstances. If you would like to connect with a Case Manager or refer a CWU student to this resource, call (509)-963-1515 or fill out a CWU Concern and Support Form and select “Case Management/Student of Concern” as the Incident Type.
If you are in search of crisis resources not included on this page, please dial 2-1-1 to access support from a trained service professional. Their staff can share information about additional resources in your area. Translation services are available.
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