Student Mental Health — Twin Cities Campus

How to Help a Friend:
Beginning a Conversation About Your Concerns

By communicating interest and concern to a distressed student, you may play an
important role in helping that student regain the balance to cope with distress and function well. If you are not sure how to approach a student you are concerned about, consult with a colleague, or call either University Counseling & Consulting Services (UCCS) or the Mental Health Clinic at Boynton Health Service and ask to speak with a counselor. Counselors are available to serve as consultants to students, faculty, and staff handling difficult student situations.

• If you choose to approach a friend you're concerned about or if a friend reaches out to you for help with personal concerns, here are some suggestions that might make the opportunity more comfortable for you and more helpful for your friend.
  
  
• Talk to your friend, either alone or with someone else, in private. Speak directly, sincerely, and honestly.
  
  
• Express your concern in specific, nonjudgmental terms and within a context of caring and concern. Tell her/him clearly what behaviors you have observed that are causing you concern.
  
  
• Listen to thoughts and feelings in a sensitive, non-threatening way. Communicate understanding by repeating back the essence of what the student has told you.
  
  
• Let your friend know that you believe a counselor would be of help. If she/he takes a defensive posture, simply restate your concerns and recommendations.
  
  
• If your friend is willing to schedule an appointment, offer to assist this process by offering her/him immediate use of your phone or by walking her/him to UCCS or Boynton’s Mental Health Clinic if you are willing to do so.
  
  
  • For UCCS, students should call (612) 624-3323 to schedule an appointment in 109 Eddy Hall (Minneapolis) or 199 Coffey Hall (St. Paul).
    
    
  • For the Mental Health Clinic, students should call (612) 625-8475 in urgent situations and (612) 624-1444 for non-urgent matters. The Mental Health Clinic is located on the fourth floor of Boynton Health Service.
    
    
• Students can also visit UCCS (see website for hours) or the Mental Health Clinic (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.). The receptionist will arrange for the student to meet with a staff member as soon as possible.
  
  
• Dangerous crisis situations include suicidal behaviors or threats, homicidal behavior or threats, irrational dangerous behavior, or excessive consumption of alcohol or drugs. If you are not sure whether the situation represents immediate danger, err on the side of caution and call 911.
  
  
• If the mental health crisis is not dangerous, but you wish to talk to someone immediately after hours or on weekends for assistance about what to do next, call the following 24-hour help line:
  
  Crisis Connection 612-379-6363 (Toll free at 1-866-379-6363)