When is it time to seek mental health support?
College can be exciting, challenging and sometimes overwhelming. Whether you're worried about yourself or a friend, knowing when and how to ask for help is important. You don’t have to go through tough times alone—there are people and resources ready to support you.
Here are some tips to know when and how to reach out for help.
When to reach out for general support
It’s okay to ask for help, even if you’re not sure you “need” it. Stress, sadness and anxiety can sneak up on us and are typical, especially in college. But if something doesn’t feel right, it’s worth checking in.
Many college students experience struggles such as:
- Feeling stressed, anxious or worried
- Feeling sad or down
- Feeling lonely or disconnected
- Struggling to keep up with school, work or relationships
- Using substances
- Dealing with relationship challenges
- Feeling stuck and unsure how to make changes
While many of these experiences are common, it’s time to reach out for help if you feel as though your struggles are impacting your ability to live your life in a way that feels good and meaningful to you.
Some signs that these things are having a negative impact may include:
- Avoiding situations that you used to enjoy
- Struggling to get out of bed or make it to class
- Isolating yourself
- Using substances more often or noticing you are struggling to control your use
- Not eating regularly or otherwise not caring for yourself like you are used to
- Not experiencing joy or feelings of happiness in the way you used to
- Struggling to complete your academic work or manage the stress of academics
Connect with general support resources:
Counseling & Psychiatric Services (CAPS): CAPS provides mental health support for all CU Boulder students, including same-day mental health screenings, brief individual therapy, group therapy, workshops and crisis support. Drop-in screenings are available in person at CAPS in C4C N352 Monday-Friday from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. during the fall semester.
Let’s Talk: Drop in for a casual, confidential chat with a CAPS counselor—no appointment needed.
Free workshops: Learn coping skills for stress, anxiety and tough emotions.
Peer Wellness Coaching: Talk with trained student coaches about stress, relationships, academics, sleep, finances and more.
Student Outreach, Advocacy & Support: Case managers connect students with campus partners, community resources and support systems while building a trusting relationship and coaching them toward self-advocacy. They can also reach out to a friend on your behalf if you’re worried about someone.
Office of Victim Assistance: Free, confidential support with advocate counselors for students who’ve experienced or witnessed something traumatic or disruptive, recently or in the past.
Thriving Campus: Find local mental health providers based on your needs and insurance.
When to seek urgent support
Sometimes things feel too big to handle alone, and you need help right away.
Urgent support is for situations like:
- Thinking about suicide or not feeling safe
- Thinking about hurting someone else
- Feeling like your life is in danger
- Seeing or hearing things that others aren't responding to
- Experiencing a recent assault or trauma
- Feeling out of control with substance use or eating behaviors
If you or someone you know needs urgent help, here are options:
Counseling & Psychiatric Services: Call 303-492-2277 anytime to talk with a mental health professional. Drop-in screenings are also available in person at CAPS in C4C N352 Monday-Friday from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. during the fall semester.
Office of Victim Assistance: Call 303-492-8855 anytime to talk to a counselor specifically about assault, abuse, violence, crime or trauma.
Colorado Crisis Services: Call 1-844-493-8255 or text “TALK” to 38255—available 24/7.
Clinica Health and Wellness Crisis Center: Walk-in support at 3180 Airport Rd, Boulder.
Crisis Text Line: Text “HOME” to 741741 or chat via WhatsApp—free and available 24/7.
Trevor Project (LGBTQ+ support): Call 1-866-488-7386 or text “START” to 678678.
When to call for emergency help
If someone is in immediate danger or needs urgent medical attention, call 911 or CU Boulder Police at 303-492-6666. You won’t get in trouble for calling—your safety and the safety of others is the priority.
Emergency situations include:
- Someone has disappeared
- Someone has been threatening suicide or attempted suicide
- Someone may overdose or has overdosed
- Someone is engaging in dangerous behavior
- Someone can’t care for themselves and needs immediate help
Find support:
If you’re concerned about someone’s safety, you can request a welfare check. Consider this option if you’re seriously worried about someone’s well-being because of their recent behavior or statements, and you can’t reach them to confirm they’re safe. Police departments can conduct welfare checks—just be ready to provide their location (including residence hall and room number if on campus) and why you’re concerned.
On campus: Call CUPD at 303-492-6666
Off campus: Call Boulder Police at 303-441-3333 or the local police department
Many departments, including CUPD and Boulder Police, often bring a mental health co-responder to support these situations. When calling, you can ask for a co-responder. Their goal is to check on the person, connect them to support and help them make a plan for care—not to get anyone in trouble. They may also help contact a friend or family member. Remember, calling the police isn’t always the right option for everyone, so consider what feels safest in each situation.
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Call 988 anytime for free, confidential support if you or someone you know needs immediate mental health support.
Remember, reaching out for help is a sign of strength, and there are resources and people ready to support you whenever you need it.