Mental Health Resources

Welcome to the Mental Health Resources Hub for CLS. Here, faculty members can access a variety of resources, ranging from crisis intervention to wellness workshops, to support student well-being, professional development, and self-care. If you have a student in need, please submit a CARES form. In case of emergency, dial 911 for immediate assistance.

Hotlines & Emergency Support

For immediate assistance during a mental health crisis, this section provides emergency contact numbers, including 911 and 988, and information on local Crisis Intervention Teams and psychiatric emergency services.  >>>

Mental Health Programs & Resources

Resources for ACC students and faculty, including counseling referrals and anti-discrimination support, a directory of affordable local counseling services, and self-care tips   >>>

Further Reading & Resources

Additional and varied resources including classroom interventions and professional development opportunities from organizations that support mental health needs  >>>

Hotlines & Emergency Support

For immediate assistance during a mental health crisis, this section provides emergency contact numbers, including 911 and 988, and information on local Crisis Intervention Teams and psychiatric emergency services.

Hotlines & Support

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

Austin/Travis County 24-hour Crisis & Suicide hotline

Williamson County 24-hour Crisis hotline

Bastrop Crisis Number

Hays Crisis Resources

COVID-19 Mental Health Support Line (24/7, toll-free)

Crisis Services

Emergency Support

Emergency Mental Health Support
For immediate assistance during a mental health crisis, this section provides emergency contact numbers, including 911 and 988, and information on local Crisis Intervention Teams and psychiatric emergency services.

Crisis Intervention Teams
This Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) refers to a group of law enforcement officers who are specifically trained to respond to persons in a mental health crisis. The Crisis intervention team has two primary purposes: responding to emergency calls involving mental health consumers in a mental crisis, and diverting persons from the criminal justice system and connecting them with mental health services.

Psychiatric Emergency Services (PES)

A walk-in psychiatric emergency service clinic for Travis County staffed by licensed clinicians, psychiatrists, nurses, and qualified mental health professionals. PES provides psychiatric assessment, crisis intervention, linkage with resources, and physician services to children/youth and adults experiencing psychiatric distress.

Crisis Support Hotlines & Mental Health Programs

A comprehensive list of hotlines and mental health programs for crisis support, including local and national resources for diverse and marginalized communities.
 
NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness)
HelpLine is available M-F 9 am – 9 pm, CT.

Call Blackline
Free peer support for marginalized peoples. Blackline uplifts the LGBTQIA+ BIPOC populations. (All are welcome.)

SAFE Alliance
Free peer support, counseling, shelter, forensic nursing exams, and legal services for those fleeing a variety of abuse. 24/7 hotline support is available via call, text, or online chat.

The Trevor Project
Information and support to LGBTQIA+ young people 24/7

Veteran’s Crisis Line

The Veterans Crisis Line serves Veterans, service members, National Guard and Reserve members, and those who support them. You don’t have to be enrolled in VA benefits or health care to call.

National Sexual Assault HotlineFree, confidential, 24/7.

Mental Health Programs & Resources

Resources for ACC students, including counseling referrals, mental health videos, anti-discrimination support, and services through the Amplify Center partnership with UT Health Austin.

ACC Mental Health Programs & Resources

Resources for ACC students, including counseling referrals, mental health videos, anti-discrimination support, and services through the Amplify Center partnership with UT Health Austin.

 

Student Advocacy Center
ACC’s Student Advocacy Center provides case management, financial assistance, and community referrals for students to remove barriers to success and help students complete their education.

Campus Assessment Response Evaluation and Support (CARES)
A program dedicated to the prevention, early intervention, and response to students’ concerning, disruptive, and threatening behaviors. If you are concerned about a student and the student is not in immediate crisis, please complete a CARES Concerning Behavior Referral Form. This will promptly be routed to our Student Affairs Case Manager. All concerns will be reviewed and assigned to a Student Affairs Dean. CARES team meetings are ongoing and scheduled regionally, composed of a variety of ACC stakeholders invested in caring for our students:

ACC Mental Health Counseling
Links to forms to refer a student for counseling and for student self-referral.

*The student will need to be aware that this referral is being made on their behalf, if faculty initiates it. Counseling is only impactful if the student is willing and ready for counseling sessions.

    ACC’s Prohibition of Discrimination & Harassment
    ACC Administrative Rules (policy and procedures) provide information that helps students in addressing discrimination and harassment matters. Free support is offered but not limited to topics such as stalking, sexual assault, retaliation, title 9, domestic violence, and more.

    Amplify Center
    Amplify Center is a community resource housed on ACCs Eastview campus. It is a partnership between Austin Community College (ACC) and UT Health Austin that provides services to young adult ACC students (18-29) seeking support for their mental health, in addition to a variety of other services.

    Library Services

      Mental Health Resources for Faculty

      Curated resources including articles, podcasts, and self-care tips to support the mental well-being of faculty members.
       

      Faculty Wellness Wall
      A padlet for CLS faculty, based on the Mental Health First Aid for Higher Education Version 2.0

      Work Life Balance
      From Mental Health America
      Teaching in Higher Ed Podcast Episode 505
      Karen Costa shares how role clarity and boundaries can help us thrive.

        When Helping Students Hurts: Secondary Traumatic Stress (STS) from SRI Education

        50 Resources to Support the Mental Health of Teachers and School Staff from teach.com

        Teachers Protecting Your Mental Health from Mental Health America

        Self Care for Educators podcast with Dr. Tina H. Boogren

        Self Care Tips for Teachers from UNICEF

        Self-care for teachers

        5 strategies to prevent compassion fatigue from University of Massachusetts Global

        Mental Health Resources for Students

        A collection of resources including guides, articles, support groups, and self-care tips to support the mental health and well-being of college students.
         
        The JED Foundation: non-profit organization that protects emotional health and prevents suicide for teens and young adults in the United States. https://jedfoundation.org/

        Pathlight Mental Health Support Group for College Students

        The College Student’s Guide to Stress Management from Purdue Global

        Seven Self-care Tips for College Students from MHFA

        Self-care for college students

        Learn how to prioritize your wellness from University of Massachusetts Global

        Active Minds

        Active Minds is a student organization dedicated to promoting mental well-being, fostering a sense of community, and providing a safe and empathetic space for individuals to share their experiences, seek support, and access resources to enhance their mental health journey.

        Local & National Mental Health Programs & Resources

        A directory of affordable counseling services in Austin and comprehensive resources from national mental health organizations dedicated to supporting mental health needs.
         

        Addiction Center
        An informational web guide for those who are struggling with substance use disorders and co-occurring behavioral and mental health disorders
        Start Your Recovery
        Helpful information for people who are dealing with substance use issues — and their family members, friends, and co-workers

        Affordable Counseling in Austin

        A comprehensive guide to affordable sliding scale therapy and mental health services available in the Austin area for individuals experiencing low income. No insurance required.

        The Mental Wellness Network Directory of low cost/free mental health service providers.

        NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness)

        The National Alliance on Mental Illness is the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to building better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness.

        NAMI Central Texas

        National Institute on Mental Health

        SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration)

        The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration is the agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) that leads public health efforts to advance the behavioral health of the nation and to improve the lives of individuals living with mental and substance use disorders, and their families.

        Anxiety & Depression Association of America ADAA is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the prevention, treatment, and cure of anxiety, depression, OCD, PTSD, and co-occurring disorders through the alignment of science, treatment, and education.

        DBSA (Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance)

        The Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance is the leading national organization focusing on mood disorders, including depression and bipolar disorder.

        MHA (Mental Health America)

        Mental Health America is the nation’s leading national nonprofit dedicated to the promotion of mental health, well-being, and illness prevention.

        Further Reading & Resources

        Additional and varied resources including classroom interventions and professional development opportunities from organizations that support mental health needs

        Reminders & Best Practices

        “Teaching: Could a Few Emails from You Boost Student Success?”

        (from The Chronicle of Higher Education)

        “4 Ways Faculty Can Be Allies for College Student Mental Health”

        (from the Association of College and University Educators)

        “19 Mental Health Exercises & Interventions for Wellbeing”

        (from PositivePsychology.com)

        “Addressing Mental Health in the Classroom”

        (from Harvard Business Publishing)

        The Knowledge Center at The Steve Fund

        The nation’s leading organization focused on supporting the mental health and emotional well-being of young people of color, containing a wealth of resources to help faculty understand and support students struggling with mental health.

        “Faculty Guide to Supporting Student Mental Health”

        (from The Jed Foundation)

        Universal Design for Learning in Higher Education

        CLS’s Inclusive and Respectful Language Starter Guide

        Faculty Support of Student Health and Well-Being from TimelyCare

        Information from UT-Austin on Promoting Well-Being in Learning Environments

        Mental Health in the College Classroom: Best Practices for Instructors

        Coleman, M. E. “Mental Health in the College Classroom: Best Practices for Instructors.” Teaching Sociology, 50(2), 168-182.

        Three Strategies that Support Student Well-Being and Mental Health

        (from Faculty Focus)

        Creating a Culture of Caring

        Practical Approaches for College and University Faculty to Support Student Wellbeing and Mental Health (from Active Minds)

        Identifying and Addressing the Mental Health Needs of Online Students in Higher Education

        Barr, Bonny. “Identifying and Addressing the Mental Health Needs of Online Students in Higher Education.” Online Journal of Distance Learning Administration, Volume XVII, Number II, University of West Georgia, Distance Education Center, Summer 2014, https://ojdla.com/archive/summer172/barr172.pdf.

        Creating Conditions for Well-being in Learning Environments from Simon Fraser University

        Education for Mental Health Toolkit (from Advance HE)

        Professional Development Resources
        Access to professional development resources and upcoming events aimed at enhancing skills, fostering collaboration, and supporting well-being.
         
        Mental Health First Aid

        Positive Psychology with Dr. Martin Seligman

        Suicide Prevention with Dr. Alexis May

        Workday: Apps: Learning: Topics: Wellness

        Center for Peace and Conflict Studies: Events

        Documents, Links, & Info
        NAMI Navigating a Mental Health Crisis

        NAMI 911 Checklist

        NAMI Suicide Assessment Card

        American Foundation for Suicide Prevention

        Information on warning signs, support, and resources

        NIMH Tips for Talking with a Health Care Provider about Your Mental Health

        NIMH Brochures and Fact Sheets

        Active Minds: SIgns & Symptoms

        Active Minds: What Really Happens When You Reach Out to Crisis Lines?

        University of Maryland’s 8 Dimensions of Wellness

        College Mental Health Toolkit

        Facts, Tips, and Resources for Students

        The Mental Health Coalition’s Roadmap to Self Care

        Digital Shareables on Suicide Prevention (NIMH)

          Shareable Resources on Suicide Prevention

        Faculty Feedback Form

        We’d love your feedback!

        Click the link below to fill out the Mental Health Hub (Faculty Feedback) from in a seprate window. 

        https://forms.gle/kctMksW9G816Yz9Y7