Resources for Faculty and Staff
To make an appointment call 914-888-5150 or email CounselingCenter@mercy.edu
Mercy University has also partnered with BetterMynd, an online therapy platform for University students, with services available 7 days a week with evening and weekend appointments available.
Resources for Faculty & Staff
Everyone at Mercy University plays an important role in promoting each other’s mental health and well-being- including faculty and staff. If you notice changes in a student’s presentation or mood, or suspect that they are dealing with a significant stressor, you can make a difference by taking action.
If you are seeking counseling for yourself, you may search through the Employee Assistance Program (EAP), found through Mercy Connect, Employee Benefit Portal.
Warning Signs
Example ‘red flag’ behaviors that may signal concern and action if noticed within a student and how to handle a situation.
Emergency Situations
In any emergency situation, staff should take immediate action by calling Campus Safety at 914-674-9999 or by dialing 911
- Expression of suicidal or homicidal thoughts
- Expression of hallucinations
- Drastic loss in control over emotions, causing outbursts or dangerous behavior
- Student unaware of current time or place
Making a CARE Referral
The Mercy University CARE Team (Concern, Assessment, Response, Evaluation) is committed to enhancing the college experience through a proactive, collaborative, and thoughtful approach to the identification, assessment, and early intervention of troublesome or concerning behaviors that impact the University community.
The purpose of the CARE Team is to serve as a collaborative group focused on prevention and early intervention for students experiencing serious distress or engaging in harmful or disruptive behaviors. Through an online reporting form available to the Mercy University community the CARE Team will be alerted to students of concern and will be able to review, assess, and make recommendations for how to best assist reported students. The Team aims to intervene and assist students in meeting their academic, personal, and professional goals at the University.
The Team does not serve as a crisis response unit, nor does it replace faculty classroom management, and/or the Safety and Security Office’s response to an incident.
If this is an emergency that involves an imminent risk of harm to self or others, please contact campus Safety and Security at 914-674-9999 or by dialing 911.
To submit a report for review, please click here.
Expressing Concern about a Student
If you notice changes in a student’s presentation or mood, or suspect that they are dealing with a significant stressor, here are some suggestions of how to establish rapport with them and begin a conversation about your concerns:
Tune into your own emotions to reach a state of calm. It is important to keep your volume, speech and body language relaxed during your interaction.
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Example: Take 3 large breaths before beginning the conversation if you notice yourself panicking
Find a safe and private space to meet with the student.
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Example: an empty classroom, a breakout room
Calmly tell them about your observations and concern
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Example: I have noticed that you seem very quiet and sad in class. As your professor, I want you to thrive in college and seek help when needed. You are not alone.
Summarize and clarify the student’s statements while avoiding placing your own emotions into the statements
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Example: I hear that you recently went through a breakup and it is hard for you to focus in class because of what happened. Avoid: Wow, a breakup? You must be so sad! All you need to do is get over it. People are going through a lot worse!
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Be sure to ask: Are you having thoughts of hurting yourself or dying?
Let the student know that you care, that they did the right thing by coming to you, and that you will do your best to help. These statements are beneficial in validating their efforts and in instilling hope.
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Example: Thank you so much for telling me this. I care about you and things will get better. Together, we can figure out our next steps.
It is time to take action by using available knowledge and resources. Tap into Mercy College’s resources and those in the community. Offer to call the referral with the student and give them appropriate materials to follow up themselves.
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Example: Since you are having trouble with your student loans and are feeling stressed about finances because of them, the best option would be to go up to Financial Aid and speak with an employee there. Do you know where they are located? Would you like me to help you to walk there or call them?
Referring a Student to the Student Counseling Center
If you would like to refer a student to the Student Counseling Center, we ask that you give the student our contact information and that they make the call or send the email themselves (914-888-5150/ CounselingCenter@mercy.edu). It may be helpful to offer to help the student to contact us, although we do not allow others to make appointments on behalf of a student.
If you would like Student Counseling Center flyers for your office, please contact us so that we can give you copies.
If the student is in an immediate crisis, it is important to call 911 or Campus Security 914-888-5150.
Dispelling Myths about Suicide
A document dispelling myths about suicide.
Responding to a Student in Crisis Guide
A guide to responding to a student in crisis.
What Resources are Available for Students?
When you do respond to the situation, is important that you link the student to an appropriate resource.
Emergency Situations:
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On Campus Safety Concerns: Campus Security 914-674-9999 or 911
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Off Campus Safety Concerns: 911
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If the student is having thoughts of hurting themselves or dying: 911
24/7 National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 988
24/7 National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233
Non- Life Threatening Situations:
- Community resources (Housing, Medical Care, Therapy, etc)
- Sexual Assault Information & Reporting
- Academic Concerns
- PACT mentor, Specific professors, Department Heads
- Financial Concerns
- Dorming Concerns
- Food Security Concerns
Sample Blurb about the Student Counseling Center to include in a Syllabus or Email
The Student Counseling Center offers free, confidential counseling services to all Mercy students. Whether you are seeking therapy, local referrals, crisis management or a friendly, unbiased conversation, make an appointment with the Student Counseling Center today. Call 918-888-5150 or email CounselingCenter@mercy.edu.
If you are having any thoughts of hurting yourself or feel that you are in a mental health crisis, please call campus safety at (914) 674-9999, dial 911 or go to the emergency room. You can also call the 24/7 National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 988. Through this line, you are able to talk to a trained counselor at any time of the day.
Suggested Blurb For Email Signature
It is estimated that 20% of college students think about death by suicide during their college career. It is recommended that the following blurb is included in email signatures to promote the National Suicide Prevention Hotline, a lifesaving resource.
"If you are having any thoughts of hurting yourself or feel that you are in a mental health crisis, please call campus safety at (914) 674-9999, dial 911 or go to the emergency room. You can also call the 24/7 National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 988. Through this line, you are able to talk to a trained counselor at any time of the day. "
Helpful Links about Mental Health in College
Counseling Center Hours & Contact Information
The Student Counseling Center will be offering appointments in-person and virtually. Appointments are available Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Mercy University has also partnered with BetterMynd, an online therapy platform for University students, with services available 7 days a week with evening and weekend appointments available.