I’m Not Sure Where to Start

Almost everyone experiences times in their lives when they are unsure what to do or who to reach out to for help. Deciding how to start can feel difficult. Below are some guided questions to help you think about what you might need at this time.

If you do not find an answer here for the specific concern that you have, it can be helpful to talk with the Student Assistance Center or Faculty/Staff Assistance Services.

Help Any Time of Day

Help is available any time of day. If you would like to speak to someone immediately, please call one of the following numbers.

Guided Questions

I’m struggling emotionally or have physical concerns that are affecting me emotionally.

You can start to address the psychological dimensions of your physical health in different ways. Contact services for confidential counseling such as the Counseling Center, McKinley Health, DRES, or Psychological Services Center. Review each center’s material so you understand the different types of services. Chez Center for Veterans provides confidential counseling services for student veterans, their family members, and military-connected students.

I’m concerned about my medication management.

If you are a student and concerned about your medication management, making an appointment with McKinley Health Center to speak to a medical professional about medication concerns may be a good first step. Faculty and staff should contact their primary care physician, therapist, or psychiatrist.

I’m struggling academically.

Academic struggles can occur for emotional or psychological reasons, and there are people across the university who are ready to help you. One place to start may be with an appointment to see a counselor at the Counseling Center to discuss your concerns and identify additional support and strategies. Academic consultation and screening is also offered for any University of Illinois student who is experiencing difficulty with their academic course work and suspects that he or she may have an undiagnosed disability such as ADHD or a learning disability. You can schedule an appointment with DRES to learn more about the academic accommodations and support services available to students who have non-visible disabilities.

Your academic advisor or your college office can help to talk through the impact on your class schedule, grades, and progress to degree and to learn what options might be available for you. Check your college’s home page for contact information, or you can visit the Provost’s “Who to Ask?” page.

I’m experiencing financial or food insecurity.

You are not alone. There are many resources on campus that are available to help you.

Students can also make an appointment with the Student Assistance Center. Staff are available to help connect you to resources and provide support. You can schedule an appointment by calling 217-333-0050. Appointments are available Monday–Friday from 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Appointments are typically 30 minutes.

The Student Assistance Center also offers Drop-In Hours 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in their offices on the 3rd floor of the Turner Student Services Building (610 E John St, Champaign). During this time, you can meet with a Dean to begin a conversation about a presenting issue/concern. Drop-in appointments are relatively short and intended for addressing specific questions. Following this initial meeting, the Dean may suggest a follow-up appointment for further discussion or assistance.

After 5 p.m., on weekends, and on university holidays, the Emergency Dean can help you. If you are experiencing a life-threatening emergency, please call 911.

Faculty and staff can contact Faculty/Staff Assistance Services at 217-244-5312.

I have questions about mental health insurance coverage.

If I speak with a counselor, will that affect my visa status?

No. Information about an appointment with a counselor at the Counseling Center, McKinley Health Center, DRES, Faculty/Staff Assistance Services, or the Psychological Services Center cannot be disclosed to others without your consent. Any recorded information about your appointments will not be part of your academic record, and no information is shared with anyone without your permission. Counselors are here to help support you and can answer any questions you may have about privacy and confidentiality.

I am experiencing racism, harassment, or a barrier to access.

Experiences of racism, harassment, or barriers to access are both hurtful and violate the values of our university. Many offices are available to help as you address these issues and take care of yourself. In addition to the confidential services available through the Counseling Center or Psychological Services Center, you can report an incidence of bias to the Campus Belonging Resources, submit a complaint regarding discrimination or harassment with the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, or report a barrier to access that you have experienced.

There are also many people on our campus working to address systemic racism, homophobia, gender inequity, and ableism. Connect with the Office of Inclusion & Intercultural Relations or the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion to find ways to get involved to address issues.

I am concerned about a friend.

As best you can, consider the severity of your friend’s struggle.

If you are in a University Residence Hall, talk to your Resident Director. If you want to learn how to talk to your friend about suicide prevention, go to the Kognito At-Risk training.

You can always submit a referral for a friend to the Office of the Dean of Students.

I want to find a psychotherapist in the community or one who does telehealth for longer-term psychotherapy.

Consider meeting with a counselor for an initial appointment at the Counseling Center to learn about best referral options for you based on your needs. If private therapy is recommended, the Counseling Center can assist in locating a therapist who meets individual needs. Faculty and staff can receive guidance from the Faculty/Staff Assistance Program. Online resources also provide information about local practitioners.

I still don’t know what to do.

Students
Contact the Student Assistant Center

Students can make an appointment with the Student Assistance Center. Staff are available to help connect you to resources and provide support. You can schedule an appointment by calling 217-333-0050. Appointments are available Monday–Friday from 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Appointments are typically 30 minutes.

The Student Assistance Center also offers Drop-In Hours 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in their offices on the 3rd floor of the Turner Student Services Building (610 E John St, Champaign). During this time, you can meet with a Dean to begin a conversation about a presenting issue/concern. Drop-in appointments are usually relatively short and are intended for addressing specific questions. Following this initial meeting, the Dean may suggest a follow-up appointment for further discussion or assistance.

After 5 p.m., on weekends, and on university holidays, the Emergency Dean can help you regarding health or safety concerns. If you are experiencing a life-threatening emergency, please call 911.

Faculty/Staff
Contact the Faculty/Staff Assistance Services

1011 West Springfield Avenue, Urbana
217-244-5312
24-Hour Crisis Line for University Employees: 217-244-7739
8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The staff of Faculty/Staff Assistance Services is dedicated to providing quality, confidential assistance to employees and their families who may be experiencing difficulties that impact their lives. This includes assessments, short-term counseling, crisis services, and referrals to appropriate resources.

The FSAS offers this benefit free of charge to all faculty, staff, retirees, and family members or significant others living in their household. Additionally, we work with supervisors as well as entire departments to develop and maintain a positive work environment. The FSAS staff is composed of licensed professionals who offer assessment, brief counseling, and if necessary, referrals to appropriate resources.

Services Available: Core Counseling, Work Group Services, Faculty/Staff Emergency Fund