MSU Assist: mental health & crisis resources
The MSU Assist page is a guide to help faculty, staff, and those who interact with MSU students support mental health needs or assist those who are in distress.
The MSU Assist page is a guide to help faculty, staff, and those who interact with MSU students support mental health needs or assist those who are in distress.
Recognize someone who may be struggling or in distress
Trust your gut. Err on the side of checking in.
Learn tips and to determine the most appropriate ways to support and refer someone
“How are things going?”
Let them know you care and want to help.
“I’ve noticed you’ve missed some deadlines recently.”
“You seem to have less energy than usual.”
“You made comments about hurting yourself, so I wanted to follow up with you about that.”
Avoid too many personal questions or questions about their history. You are not trying
to become their
confidante or therapist. Rather, you're trying to gather information that will allow
you to help them or refer them to the
right people.
“Have things been so bad that you’ve had thoughts of suicide?”
“Would an extension on that deadline help?”
“I can help you make an appointment with... (campus office)”
Refer them to campus resources.
Consult with others who can help you assist the student of concern (e.g. Counseling & Psychological Services or Dean of Students Office are two good places to start.)
If the student or peer is in immediate risk (e.g. thoughts of suicide), call or walk them to Counseling & Psychological Services or call 911. If the student or peer is not in your presence and you are concerned, call 911 for a mental health welfare check. Do not go to a student or peer’s home yourself.
Note: you are NOT mandated to report mental health issues to the Office of Institutional Equity (OIE). Only sexual- or gender-based harassment or assault is mandated to be reported there. Find out more about what info is required to be reported on the OIE website.
Learn where to send students or peers in a crisis or for basic support services on campus
If you feel unsafe, or have any reason to believe the student or peer or others are
at risk for harm, call 911 for extra help
or to have someone check on their wellbeing.
If a student or peer is in crisis or distress, you can call or walk them to Counseling & Psychological Services on the 3rd floor of the Student Wellness Center. If it is after hours call the Bozeman Help Center at 406-586-3333 or call the 988 Lifeline.
If a student or peer is experiencing academic of personal difficulties, refer them
to appropriate self-help or campus
resources below.
If, after talking with the student or peer yourself, you have on-going concerns about their health, well-being, or academic success, or if they have not accepted referrals/assistance, you can submit a CARE referral to the MSU CARE Team.
If you are uncertain of which steps to take, you can always call MSU’s Counseling & Psychological Services on weekdays from 8am to 5pm at 406-994-4531. Outside of those hours, call the Bozeman Help Center at 406-586-3333, who provides 24-hour support.
See a list of resources for emergency, urgent, and campus resources
911— For crisis intervention or a mental health welfare check
988— Call or text for assistance or consultation for someone actively suicidal
741741— Text for assistance or consultation for someone in crisis or actively suicidal
Counseling & Psychological Services website or 406-994-4531.
Student Health Services website or 406-994-2311.
Insight & Center for Students in Recovery website or 406-994-5937.
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View our guide for faculty navigating student mental health.
For information on self-help and online resources, visit our Mental Health and Wellness page.
For a more complete overview of suicide prevention training and resources, visit our suicide prevention page.
To learn more read our Mental Health Resources and Crisis Protocol.
For ideas of how you can include health and wellness information in your syllabus, visit the Center for Faculty Excellence (CFE) webpage.
The 30-minute Mindwise Signs of Suicide training teaches how to identify and refer students who may be struggling or having suicidal thoughts. To access: