In an Emergency

If you are in crisis or have concerns about your safety or the safety of others, please call GGC Public Safety at 678.407.5333 or dial 911.

Common Concerns, Signs of Distress and Helping Others

    Common Concerns

    Meeting with a counselor is a chance to explore issues and determine possible courses of action or resolution in a respectful and confidential setting.

    Various Concerns

    • Relationships
    • Health
    • Family
    • Happiness
    • Depression
    • Anxiety
    • Motivation
    • Sexual concerns
    • Behaviors
    • Stress
    • Self-esteem
    • Trauma
    • Eating and body image concerns
    • Grief and loss
    • Adjusting to college
    • Life decisions

    Signs of Distress

    If you see any of the following in yourself or in someone else, it may be a good idea to make a referral to Counseling and Psychological Services.

    • Prolonged feelings of despair and unhappiness
    • Withdrawal from normal activities and interests
    • Excessive anxiety
    • Physical complaints with no medical cause
    • Increased irritability or suspiciousness toward others
    • Decreased ability to concentrate or function academically
    • Personality changes or sudden shifts in mood or behavior
    • Behaving in class, activities or personal interactions in ways that are disturbing to others
    • Talking or writing explicitly about hopelessness or suicide, or personal problems or emotional experiences that seem unresolved

    In an Emergency

    If you are in crisis or have concerns about your safety or the safety of others, please call GGC Public Safety at 678.407.5333 or dial 911.

    Helping Others

    Whether you are a GGC student, faculty or staff member, you may encounter situations where you would like to refer a student to Counseling and Psychological Services.

    Consider the following options when helping someone else.

    Share Your Concern with the Student

    Let the student know why you are concerned about them. Share your observations about the student's own concerns or behaviors (e.g., "I often hear you mention your worries about...," or "I can tell from our recent conversations that this is worrying you").

    • When talking to a student who appears to be in distress, please inquire if the student is having any safety concerns in terms of thoughts of self-harm or harm to others.
    • Let the student know what you believe the student will gain from meeting with a counselor (e.g., "I think you might find it helpful to discuss this with someone impartial, someone who can help you sort out your thoughts and feelings," or "This is just the thing to consult with a counselor about – a counselor will know more about this than I do," or "You and I just don't have enough time together to address these concerns the way they deserve, and I think you'd get a lot out of being able to talk them over with someone at greater length").
    • If you are concerned that referring the student to Counseling and Psychological Services will be perceived as a rejection, you may wish to reassure the student (e.g., you might say "Even though you will be talking with your counselor about this issue, I want us to keep in touch about how things are going for you”).
    • Pick up the phone and offer to make an appointment for the student while the student is there with you. Or offer the phone to the student so that the student can make the appointment themselves, in your company.
    • If you are wondering whether or how to bring the issue of a referral up to the student, feel free to call and consult with a counselor about it. We can also provide community referrals for students who prefer to be seen off-campus.

    Let the Student Know What to Expect

    Let the student know that counselors are here to help all GGC students make the most of their college experience. Be respectful of the student’s cultural assumptions about what it means to speak with a counselor.

    • A student can either call or stop by Counseling and Psychological Services to make a first appointment or "initial assessment.” First appointments are typically scheduled one to two weeks from the initial contact request. Appointment wait times may vary depending on appointment availabilities.
    • During the first appointment with a counselor, the student will have a chance to discuss the situation or feelings that are troubling the student and what sort of further assistance the student might find helpful. The counselor and student will work together to locate whatever support the student needs, whether it be on or off campus, a brief consultation, ongoing counseling or a specialized treatment program.
    • Should a student need immediate support due to a mental health crisis, the student may be eligible for a same day crisis appointment. If the student is experiencing a mental health crisis, the student should make this clear to Counseling and Psychological Services' front desk staff. Immediate mental health support is also available by using the BeWell@GGC support line. Access to this support line connects the student immediately to a crisis counselor and is available to all GGC students 24/7/365.

    All client discussions and records at Counseling and Psychological Services are confidential.

    Follow Up

    Ask the student to follow up with you and let you know how it goes. Tell the student you don't need to know the details, but you would like to hear whether they had an appointment and whether it was helpful. Understand that not all students will choose to share this information with you.

    Remember that the student's contact with Counseling and Psychological Services is confidential and no information will be shared without the student's explicit permission, including whether or not the student has been to Counseling and Psychological Services.

    Report Concerns

    Are you concerned, but unsure how to proceed? In addition to sharing your concern with the student and directing them to help and support, you may feel that your concern merits additional action. You may appropriately direct your concern to the Grizzly Care Team via the incident report form.

    This content was adapted from American University’s Counseling Center website, with permission.

    Community Support Resources

      GGC Emergency Assistance Programs

      GGC Grizzlies Helping Grizzlies and GGC Care Pantry provide support services for any GGC student who may not be able to meet basic needs.

      GGC Public Safety

      GGC Public Safety
      678.407.5333
      24 hours/7 days a week

      Get connected and stay informed; learn more about GGC safety and emergency communications.

      Crisis Support Hotlines

      Georgia Crisis and Access Line (GCAL)
      800.715.4225
      Call for immediate access to crisis services 24/7/365 to help you or someone you care for in a crisis.

      Mosaic Georgia: Sexual Assault Center and Children's Advocacy Center
      866.900.6019

      988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (formerly National Suicide Prevention Hotline)
      988
      Call for 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress.

      Georgia Peer2Peer Warm Line
      888.945.1414
      Call to receive certified peer specialist warm-line, over-the-phone support 24 hours a day.

      The Crisis Text Line
      Text START to 741741 to receive free crisis 24/7 support.

      Substance Abuse Support Resources: Metro Atlanta

      Atlanta AA (Atlanta’s central office of Alcoholics Anonymous)
      Find in-person and virtual AA meetings throughout Metro Atlanta.

      View Point Health
      678.209.2411
      Find sliding scale addiction treatment and crisis stabilization services throughout Metro Atlanta area.

      DeKalb Community Service Board: Crisis
      404.294.0499
      Find free and sliding scale detox and crisis stabilization services.

      Emory Addiction Center
      404.778.5526
      Find individual therapy, psychiatric consultation, recovery guidance, support groups and medication-assisted treatment to support individuals 14 and older that are struggling with substance abuse and mental illness.

      The Summit Wellness Group: Atlanta Rehab Center
      770.796.3304
      Learn about the Atlanta alcohol and drug rehab center, and find helpful online recovery guides and 24/7 helpline support.

      Stepping Stones of Atlanta Recovery Residence
      Learn about the supportive sober living home for men.

      Substance Abuse Support Resources: Georgia and National

      Alcoholics Anonymous in Georgia
      Find in-person and virtual AA meetings throughout the state of Georgia.

      The GARR Network
      Learn about the Georgia-based association and find accredited sober living homes throughout the state of Georgia.

      Live Another Day
      Access a curated list of the top accredited drug rehab centers in Georgia, including culturally competent resource support specificity towards BIPOC populations.

      SAMHSA's Treatment Locator | US Department of Health and Human Services
      Access a directory of confidential and anonymous treatment facilities.

      National Institute on Drug Abuse | National Institutes of Health
      Find helpful resources to access treatment centers on behalf of friends or family members struggling with substance abuse and addiction.

      Overdose Prevention Resources

      Georgia Overdose Prevention
      Learn about this advocacy organization that provides free naloxone kits to Georgians via courier mail.

      National Harm Reduction Coalition: Overdose Prevention
      Learn harm reduction strategies and find additional information to help identify, respond and prevent overdoses.

      Opioid Overdose Rescue
      Find simple-step guides and helpful reference videos to save a life in the event of an opioid overdose.