Students in crisis can use a hotline provided by the Counseling Center to help them or their friends.

One of the counselors, Jessica Hallett, said there is a clinician on call each day of the week who is available to provide emergency services to any student experiencing suicidal or homicidal ideation.

The number students can call is 217-581-3413.

There are five clinicians who rotate being on duty for the hotline. Normally, there will be one counselor on call for the day.

However, any clinicians are able to provide services to those who need them, whether they are on call or not.

“What a student says will remain confidential unless they are putting themselves or other students at risk,” Lindsay Wilson, interim associate director of the Counseling Center, said.

If a student calls because of a personal issue during regular hours, counselors will ask for their name and E-number, as well as if they are experiencing thoughts of self harm or suicide.

If it is during office hours, counselors will encourage the student to come in immediately for an appointment.

When a student calls about another student, counselors will ask what the students’ concern is, and for specific observations such as with substance abuse and certain behaviors.

Then, they give feedback and suggestions as to what the student should do to help their friend.

“We take everything seriously, so we treat these situations seriously,” Wilson said. “We will reach out to the student to confirm what the other student said, and see if they’re willing to have a follow up session so we can touch base on them and see how they are doing.”

The Counseling Center’s hours are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

If a student calls after hours, they are directed to call LifeLinks Mental Health center in Mattoon via the Counseling Center’s voicemail.

“If the student signs a release form, we are able to speak with the Life Link counselors regarding the situation,” Wilson said.

LifeLinks counselors assess the situation to see if the students will be able to stay safe. If they are, the counselors will recommend a follow up appointment with local counseling services.

If the student is not able to stay safe, the hotline counselor will call local Emergency Medical Technician services to take the student to the hospital. If the student lives on campus, Housing could get involved as well.

Hallett said the crisis hotline service allows risks to be evaluated and connects students to vital resources.

“Crisis services can help students to process issues, experiences, provide support and explore options that would help (a) student to move towards progress, wellness and success,” Hallett said.

Sisi Pascarella can be reached at 581-2812 or [email protected].