How to Help

Life-threatening emergency? Please dial 911.

Any time you perceive imminent physical danger to yourself or any other individual; call 911 (9-911 on campus) immediately AND Campus Security at 206-235-5860.

Student in Immediate Crisis?

At times students may have urgent needs or be in an emergency situation. Students may come directly to the Counseling Center and/or call 206-546-4594 in order to be seen by a mental health professional as soon as possible.

A student may appreciate a faculty or staff member walking with them to the Counseling Center.  Please indicate to the receptionist that you believe it is an urgent situation and briefly describe what you are experiencing in order to receive the fastest attention possible.

If there is an immediate health-related emergency outside of the Counseling Center's regular business hours please call 911 (9-911 from campus phone) immediately AND Campus Security at 206-235-5860.

You may receive 24/7 crisis support at:

King County Crisis Connections | 866-427-4747

Snohomish County Crisis Line | 800-584-3578

Concerned About a Student not in Immediate Crisis? 

Although not typically disruptive in a classroom setting, these behaviors may indicate something is wrong and that help may be needed:

  • Serious grade problems
  • Unaccountable change from good to poor performance
  • Change from frequent attendance to excessive absences
  • Change in pattern of interaction
  • Marked change in mood, motor activity, or speech
  • Marked change in physical appearance
  • Repeated request for special consideration
  • New or regularly occurring behavior which pushes the limits and may interfere with class management
  • Unusual or exaggerated emotional response

Responses to Behavior(s) of Concern:

  • Talk to the student in private when you both have time
  • Express your concerns in non-judgmental terms – state what you have noticed and your concern for the student
  • Listen to the student and repeat the main point of what the student is saying
  • Make sure the student understands expectations and what action is necessary
  • Share appropriate resources, verbally and in a follow up email
  • Document your concern and interaction(s) with student by submitting a report to the College's Care Team
  • Inform your dean/director as necessary
  • Consult with a counselor at the Shoreline Community College Counseling Center by calling 206-546-4594 (calling is preferred for fastest response)

Responding to Individuals Expressing Dangerous or Concerning Behavior

These behaviors usually show that the student is in crisis and needs emergency care:

  • Highly disruptive behavior (hostility, aggression, etc.)
  • Inability to communicate clearly (garbled, slurred speech, disjointed thoughts)
  • Loss of connection with reality (seeing/hearing things that are not there, beliefs or actions at odds with reality)
  • Overt suicidal thoughts and gestures (suicide is a current option)
  • Homicidal threats

Responses to Imminently Dangerous Behavior:

  • Stay calm
  • Call 911 (9-911 from campus phone) AND Campus Security 206-235-5860 (24/7 line)
  • Contact the Shoreline Community College Counseling Center at 206-546-4594 during business hours or King County Crisis Connections at 866-427-4747 after hours
  • Inform your dean/director as necessary
  • Document your concern and interaction(s) with student by submitting a report to the College's Care Team (after situation of immediate concern has been addressed with appropriate assistance)

Consultation is Available for Faculty and Staff

You may consult with a counselor at the Shoreline Community College Counseling Center by calling 206-546-4594 (calling is preferred for fastest response).  If the Counseling Center is closed and you need immediate consultation, please call King County Crisis Connections at 866-427-4747. 

Some of the ways the Counseling Center may help faculty and staff assist students:

  • Assessing the seriousness of the situation
  • Suggesting potential resources
  • Exploring the best way to make a referral, including submitting a report to the College's Care Team
  • Reaching out to a student of concern
  • Scheduling an appointment for the student to meet with a counselor (if the situation constitutes a crisis, the student may be seen immediately)