Crisis Intervention and Referral

How to Identify a Crisis Situation

Wellness Services is committed to supporting students in urgent or high-risk situations. This section provides guidance for students, faculty, and staff on recognizing crises, making referrals, and connecting with appropriate resources. 

What Is a Crisis

A crisis is any situation in which a student is at immediate risk of harm to themselves or others, or is experiencing severe distress that requires urgent attention. Examples include: 

  • Thoughts of suicide or self-harm
  • Threats of violence to others
  • Severe mental health episodes (e.g., panic, psychosis)\
  • Situations where a student cannot care for themselves 

What Is Not a Crisis

Not every concern requires immediate intervention. Examples include: 

  • General stress or anxiety
  • Academic or career concerns
  • Relationship difficulties that do not involve immediate danger

Students with non-urgent concerns are encouraged to schedule a counseling appointment or attend support groups.

Students: Needing Crisis Support 

On-Campus Support 
If you are on campus and experiencing a crisis: 

  • Call 911 for immediate, life-threatening emergencies.

Contact Wellness Services for urgent support during office hours:

  • Phone: 847-214-7390
  • Location: Building B, Room B120
  • Hours:
    • Monday–Thursday: 8 am – 7 pm
    • Friday: 8 am – 4 pm (Closed Fridays during Summer Session) 

If you are concerned about another student, notify Wellness Services or faculty or staff member. 

Off-Campus Support 

  • Call 911 for life-threatening emergencies.
  • Call or text 988 – National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
  • TTY users: Use your preferred relay service or dial 711, then 1-800-273-8255 

Available in English and Spanish 
Uwill: 833-646-1526 

If you are distressed but not in immediate danger: 

  • Schedule a counseling appointment with Wellness Services.
  • Attend a support group to connect with peers.
  • You may also reach out to faculty or staff for guidance or support.
  • Uwill: 833-646-1526 

Call the Illinois warm line for support, guidance, or someone to talk to at 866-359-7953, Monday-Saturday, 8 am - 8 pm 

Crisis Resources 

  • 911 – Call for immediate, life-threatening emergencies
  • 988 – National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
  • For TTY users: use your preferred relay service or dial 711, then 1-800-273-8255. Available in English and Spanish. 

Crisis Text Line 

  • Text HOME to 741741 (English)
  • Text HOLA to 741741 (Spanish)
  • Text STEVE to 741741 (BIPOC support) 

  • Trevor Project – Supports LGBTQ+ youth

Veterans Crisis Line – For veterans, service members, National Guard/Reserve, and their families 

  • Call: 800-273-8255, press 1
  • Text: 838255
  • Chat online with VA professionals 

  • Illinois Domestic Violence Help Line – 877-863-6338 (TTY: 1-877-863-6339)
  • National Sexual Assault Hotline – 800-656-HOPE (4673) 

  • National Network for Immigrant and Refugee Rights – Call 1-510-465-1984 to talk about immigration concerns, regardless of immigration status 

Faculty and Staff

How to Refer a Student to Wellness Services 

Wellness Services is available to all students who are currently enrolled in a class. Students, faculty, and staff can refer students if they notice concerning behavior or distress. 

Steps to Refer a Student

  • Step 1. Submit a Spartan Alert 
    • Before submitting, have a conversation with the student if possible. Explain that you are submitting an alert and emphasize that the goal is collaborative support, not punishment.
    • Include relevant details such as observations, statements, dates, and any steps already taken. 
  • Step 2. Encourage the Student to Reach Out

    Provide Wellness Services contact information:

    Suggest the student make an appointment through the AccessECC portal. 

  • Step 3. Assist the Student if Possible 
    • Walk the student to the Counseling Center to help reduce barriers and ensure they connect with services promptly. 

For more information, visit the Wellness Services Office located in Building B, Room B120, email studentwellness@elgin.edu , or call 847-214-7390.

Confidential Follow-Up 

Wellness professionals will confidentially follow up to assess the student’s needs and connect them to appropriate services. 

Using Spartan Alerts for Referrals 

For students who are distressed but not in immediate danger: 

  • Submit a Spartan Alert to notify Wellness Services for follow-up.
  • Encourage the student to schedule a counseling appointment or attend support groups. 

What to include in a Spartan Alert: 

  • Specific observations of concerning behavior
  • Any statements made by the student
  • Dates, times, and locations of concerning behavior
  • Steps you’ve already taken to support the student 

Confidentiality Note: 
Information submitted via Spartan Alert is shared only with Wellness Services and other appropriate campus professionals to provide support. Wellness Services remains confidential. Faculty and staff will only receive notification that the alert was received, and details about a student’s counseling or treatment are not shared. 

Spartan Alert System

If a student poses an immediate risk of harm to themselves or others: 

  • Call the ECC Police Department or 911 immediately.
  • Ensure the student and others are safe.
  • ECC Police will notify Wellness Services as appropriate. 

Confidentiality Reminder: 
Wellness Services cannot share details about a student’s counseling. You may receive confirmation that follow-up occurred, but individual counseling information remains confidential. 

24-Hour Help

Uwill

  • After-hours support: 24/7 for non-emergency needs
  • Contact: Call 847-214-7390, press #1 when prompted

Suicide & Crisis Lifeline - available for everyone, free, and confidential.

  • Crisis Text Line: Text 988 or text HOME to 741741 anytime, anywhere in the United States.
  • Crisis Line of Fox Valley: 630-966-9393
  • SAMHSA (Substance Abuse): 800-622-4357

Contact

Wellness Services

Building B, Room B120
847-214-7390
studentwellness@elgin.edu

Hours
Monday through Thursday: 7:30 am to 5 pm
Friday: Closed