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Division of Academic and Student Affairs 
Counseling Center

In Crisis?

If You’re Having a Mental Health Emergency

If you need immediate help, a counselor is always available. 

Call 919.515.2423 for help. In the case of a life-threatening emergency, call 911.

Emergency services are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. You don’t need an appointment for emergency assistance. 

After hours
If you’re seeking help after 4 p.m. and before 8 a.m., Monday – Friday, or on the weekend, please contact our on-call counselor by calling 919.515.2423 and select option 2.

What Is a Mental Health Emergency?

You may be having a mental health emergency if you’re experiencing thoughts that could be a threat to your life or the life of another or could result in harm to yourself or others.

If you’re experiencing a mental health emergency, please reach out for help.

Additional Crisis Resources

Anyone can make use of the following crisis resources:

  • Emergency Medical Services: Call 911, or visit the nearest hospital emergency room
  • 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call 988 or start an online chat
  • Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
  • LGBT Youth Suicide Hotline — The Trevor Project: 866.488.7386
  • National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: Call 800.273.8255 or start an online chat
  • National Sexual Assault Hotline: Call 800.656.4673
  • National Domestic Violence Hotline: Call 800.799.7233 or 800.787.3224 (TTY)
  • Substance use related medical emergencies: Call 911 or Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222
  • IMAlive: Start an online chat

Wake County Crisis & Assessment Local Resources

The above resources are not affiliated with, nor endorsed by, the NC State Counseling Center.

Helping a Student in Need

The Counseling Center consults with university students, faculty, staff, and parents who are concerned about the unusual, problematic, or potentially harmful behavior of others. If you’re concerned about someone’s mental health, please call us at 919.515.2423.

Counseling Center clinicians will explore your concerns and help you develop ideas for dealing effectively with the situation. 

Additionally, the clinician may recommend you fill out a short form to make a CARES referral. NC State CARES is housed in Prevention Services, which is a separate office from the Counseling Center. The case managers with CARES can reach out and offer support for students in crisis and who have been identified as exhibiting concerning or worrisome behaviors. Get more information about making a CARES referral.