• About the Counseling Center
• Meet the Staff
• Services Provided
• Schedule an Appointment
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Getting Support at CofC
• Crisis Support
• Clinical Training Program
• Contact Us

Emergency 

During office hours: You DO NOT need an appointment, please walk in if you need immediate assistance.

After office hours: If you need immediate assistance after 5pm or on weekends, you can speak with a counselor-on-call by dialing 843-953-5640 and choosing menu option #3. If this is a life-threatening emergency, please call 911.  

As a family member, friend, faculty, or staff member, you are in the position to recognize behavioral changes that may indicate a student is experiencing emotional distress. Your ability to recognize the signs of emotional distress and direct the student to appropriate resources is an important part of the coordinated effort to support the student’s well-being. 

Assisting a Student in Distress

Signs of Distress 

• Change in level of functioning

• Inability to concentrate 

• Persistent worrying 

• Social isolation/withdrawal 

• Increased irritability, restlessness 

• Mood swings 

• Disheveled appearance 

What can I do to help?

Offer support: Express your concern and care for the student. Focus on your observations if approaching them before they have disclosed anything specific. For example, "I've noticed you've been quiet during class this past week and that seems different for you." If a student dislcoses personal or sensitive information, focus on assisting them with connecting to resources. For example, "I'm concerned about you given how much you've shared is on your plate right now. Since I'm not the best person to help you figure that out,I think it would be helpful for me to loop in others on campus who would be able to help." If in doubt what resource would be helpful, either the Counseling Center or Office of the Dean of Students is a good place to start. 

Referrals:  With the student's permission, one of our staff members will be happy to contact the student directly. You might also consider calling the Counseling Center with the student in your office to help them set up an appointment. If you believe a student’s situation is urgent and it is during business hours, please walk them over to the Counseling Center for immediate assistance.   

Consultation: If you are unsure of how to approach a situation with a student who may be in distress, our counselors are available for consultation. 

F.A.S.T report: If you are concerned about a student’s behavior or well-being, you can submit a F.A.S.T report that will be reviewed by our Student’s of Concern Committee. You may not get a response back from the committe, but all reports are reviewed, triaged, and followed-up on. 

Life Threatening Emergencies: If you believe a student poses an immediate danger to themselves or others, contact Public Safety at 843-953-5609 or contact 911.