UCM Counseling Center Offers New 24-hour Crisis Support Line

While the Humphreys Building houses classroom space for a number of academic programs, it is also the home for the University of Central Missouri Counseling Center.

WARRENSBURG, MO – Understanding that a crisis can occur anytime in a student’s life, the University of Central Missouri Counseling Center is expanding its services this fall to include a new 24-hour Crisis Support Line.  

This new service is funded through the Campus Community Health Fee, which was an initiative supported by the Student Government Association and approved by students. Students who are experiencing a crisis and want to speak to a trained professional can now do so round-the-clock by calling 660-543-8008. The same telephone number is also available to students who may not be in a crisis, but still want to talk to a professional outside the Counseling Center’s regular weekday hours of operation, including weekends.

 “The Crisis Support Line functions as an extension of the Counseling Center. It functions when the center is open, but we particularly want to make it available to students who need to talk to someone after hours,” said Jeanne Woon, director of the center.  

Woon said the trained staff at the Crisis Support Line can assist students with any number of issues they may face -- from the stress of dealing difficult courses and personal issues such as a change in relationship or  bereavement to depression, and much more. Students who may be contemplating whether or not to visit the Counseling Center in person but are not certain if they are ready to do so also may find the Crisis Support Line as a good option.

“Some students may want to call the support line even if the Counseling Center is open, because maybe they are not ready to come to the center and they just want to talk to someone from a distance. Maybe they are someone who cannot come directly into the counseling center. That’s perfectly acceptable as use of this line,” Woon said. 

If a student has a clinical concern, individuals who assist with the Crisis Support Line will notify the Counseling Center to contact the student, if the individual seeking assistance provides permission, Woon said. They can do so by sharing their email address.

Fully accredited by the International Accreditation of Counseling Services (IACS) Board of Accreditation, the Counseling Center is located at Humphreys Building 131 and is open 8 a.m. to noon and 1 to 5 p.m. weekdays.

The UCM Crisis Support Line is an addition to the Counseling Center and Campus Community Health’s existing services. The Crisis Support Line phone number does not replace the Counseling Center’s phone number, which is answered during business hours 660-543-4060. 
 
Woon noted that in an immediate crisis, such as a life-threatening situation, students should call 911 or UCM Public Safety at 660-543-4123. To be seen for a crisis appointment at the Counseling Center during business hours, call 660-543-4060 or come to Humphreys 131. For scheduling concerns at the UCM Counseling Center (for example, scheduling or canceling counseling appointments), call the center directly at 660-543-4060. With increases in suicide on the rise nationally, the Counseling Center encourages anyone who may be having thoughts that could lead to self harm to call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988.

Individuals who want to know more about the Counseling Center are encouraged to visit its website at www.ucmo.edu/cc.