Dear Longhorns,
It’s wonderful to see you back on campus living the Longhorn life as we near the one month mark since classes began! While this is an exciting and transformational time of your life, it may also be challenging as you navigate academics, relationships, social activities, and possibly work or internships.
Please know you are not alone. We all experience difficult and stressful moments. You belong here and are surrounded by a caring community — our faculty, staff and your fellow students. We support you and have resources to help you when you face tough times.
We also want to make sure you know what to do if you, a friend or a classmate are having challenges that include thoughts of harming oneself. If this happens, please ask us for help. I’m sharing a short video that explains the warning signs you might see when someone is in distress. It will help you learn what a mental health crisis can look like and what you can do to help yourself and others.
UT Austin provides a number of resources to help you through difficult times:
- If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, the Counseling and Mental Health Center (CMHC) Crisis Line is available 24 hours a day, every day, at 512-471-2255. You can also view and access additional crisis services here.
- Contact the Counseling and Mental Health Center at 512-471-3515 or visit cmhc.utexas.edu to learn about their services and get connected to resources that best match your need. There are no charges for CMHC services except for psychiatry services which are $10/visit.
- My Student Support Program (My SSP) offers 24/7 confidential real-time or appointment-based virtual counseling available through text or phone.
- If you are experiencing a personal emergency including but not limited to family, housing, academics or finances, contact Student Emergency Services in the Office of the Dean of Students at 512-471-5017.
- To practice having important and life-saving conversations with fellow Longhorns who are in distress, use the Mental Health Conversations simulation platform.
- Lastly, today is the first day of UT Austin’s annual Suicide Prevention Week, a series of events designed to raise awareness about college student suicide, stay connected and share campus resources. I encourage you to participate and learn more.
Our university is a special place where Longhorns take care of each other — we are in this together! By referring others to our resources that provide ongoing support, you are showing compassion and empathy. I look forward to seeing how you make it your Texas and change the world during your journey here.
Take good care,
Soncia Reagins-Lilly
Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students