Suicide Prevention

Explore GMercyU's mental health services and crisis intervention, our suicide training program, hotlines, and what to expect if you seek help

 

Suicide Hotlines

National

  • 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline – Get confidential help for yourself or a loved one by calling or texting the number 988

State and Local

  • Berks County Crisis – 610-379-2007
  • Bucks County Mobile Crisis (Lenape) – 1-877-435-7709
  • Chester County Crisis – 610-280-3270
  • Delaware County Crisis– 1-855-889-7827
  • Montgomery County Mobile Crisis – 1-855-634-HOPE (4673)
  • City of Philadelphia Crisis – 215-685-6440
  • ChildLine, child abuse hotline – 1-800-932-0313
  • Veterans Crisis Line – Dial 988 and press 1 or text: 838255

Crisis Intervention

On Campus Resources

  • For immediate emergencies, call 911
  • Public Safety at 215.641.5522 or x21111 from any campus phone. 
  • If in the residence hall, contact any RA, RD or Public safety officer
  • Call one of these crisis hotlines
    • National suicide Prevention Hotline: 988
    • Jed Foundation Hotline text START to 741-741 or call 1-800-273-TALK (8255) 


Off Campus Resources

  • Call 911
  • Go to any emergency room
  • Call one of these crisis hotlines
    • National suicide Prevention Hotline: 988
    • Jed Foundation Hotline text START to 741-741 or call 1-800-273-TALK (8255) 

Mental Health Services

  • Counseling Services
    • Counseling services provides crisis intervention 8:30-4:30 M-F for on campus emergencies. 24/7 crisis consultation for on campus residents.
  • TimelyCare
    • A virtual 24/7 metal health support program for undergraduates. Insurance is needed to access services and students have access to TimelyCare services 365 days a year.
    • Access the web app at timelycare.com/gmercyu or download the TimelyCare app to your device.
  • Employee Resources
    • Details coming soon

Suicide Training Program

  • Griffins for Hope
    • Griffins for Hope is a campus initiative that identifies faculty who have completed suicide prevention training and are committed to helping connect students to needed support. A door magnet signals a safe, welcoming, supportive space for students to connected to the support they need when they need it most.
  • Take the training here:
    • Students: Canvas Course Name: GMercyU Student Training & Resource Course Module/Assignment Name: Griffins for Hope: Suicide Prevention Scenarios (Students)
    •  Faculty/Staff: Canvas Course Name: Select Faculty/Staff Training & Resources Module/Assignment Name: Griffins for Hope: Suicide Prevention

What to Expect if You Seek Help

If you call/text 988:

You will be connected with a trained crisis counselor who will listen, ask about your safety and what you’re experiencing, and help you get through the moment with support and coping options. You don’t have to be suicidal to contact them, and emergency services are only contacted if there’s an immediate risk to your life and no other way to keep you safe.

 If you call Mobile Crisis:

You will be connected with mental health professionals who assess the situation and decide what kind of support is needed. They may offer counseling over the phone, come to your location to help in person, help create a safety plan, connect you to mental health services, or arrange higher levels of care if someone is at immediate risk. Their goal is usually to stabilize the situation and avoid unnecessary hospitalization or police involvement whenever possible.

If you go to an Emergency Room:

Staff will first check your immediate safety and medical condition. You will likely speak with a nurse, doctor, or mental health clinician about your symptoms, thoughts, substance use, medications, and whether you feel safe. They may monitor you for a period of time, provide crisis support or medication if needed, and decide on next steps, which can include discharge with resources, referral to outpatient care, voluntary psychiatric admission, or, in situations involving immediate danger to yourself or others, an involuntary hold for further evaluation. The goal is to stabilize the crisis and connect you with appropriate care and support.

If you go to a Psychiatric Hospital:

You will likely be admitted for evaluation, safety, and stabilization. Staff will assess your mental and physical health, ask about your symptoms, safety concerns, medications, and support system, and work with you on a treatment plan. During your stay, you may meet with psychiatrists, nurses, therapists, and social workers, participate in therapy or group activities, receive medication if appropriate, and be monitored to help keep you safe. The length of stay depends on your needs and stability, and before discharge the team usually helps create a plan for ongoing treatment and support outside the hospital.

Addressing University-Wide Tragedy

  • Grief Course
    • Details coming soon
  • HR Protocols
    • Details coming soon