Resources for Friends, Family, and Faculty

We all have times when someone we care about seems “off”, maybe they’re isolating, struggling in school, or just not themselves. Whether you’re a roommate, parent, professor, or peer, you can play a vital role in recognizing distress and helping connect students to support. 

This page is designed to equip you with practical tools, helpful language, and direct resources to help someone you care about - without needing to have all the answers. 

• Low energy, trouble sleeping
• Withdrawing socially
• Drop in class attendance or performance
• Mood changes or lack of motivation
• Increased substance use
• Talk of feeling hopeless or overwhelmed

• Verbal or written threats of self-harm or suicide
• Intense panic, agitation, or disorientation
• Loss of contact with reality
• Threats of violence to self or others

If someone is in immediate danger, call 911 or the 24/7 Crisis Line: (530) 891-2810 or (800) 334-6622.

• Choose a private, calm moment.
• “I’ve noticed you haven’t been yourself lately. I’m here to listen.”
• Don’t rush to fix — listen fully, and reflect what you hear.
• Validate their emotions: “That sounds incredibly difficult.”

• “Would you like me to help you contact the Counseling Center?”
• “I can walk with you or sit with you while you call.”
• “You don’t have to do this alone. There are people here who care.”

• Purpose: Ensures all aspects of campus life are universally accessible through advocacy and accommodations
• Location: Student Services Center, Room 170
• Email: arcdept@csuchico.edu
• Phone: 530-898-5959

• Purpose: Addresses food and housing insecurities on campus
• Location: Student Services Center, Room 196
• Email: basicneeds@csuchico.edu
• Phone: 530-898-4098

• Purpose: Campus support team that provides individualized support focused on early intervention and prevention
• Email: care@csuchico.edu
• Phone: 530-898-5093
• If you’re unsure what to do? Submit aCARE Report and a trained team will reach out

• Purpose: Ensures equity in campus employment and educational opportunities
• Location: Student Services Center, Room 420
• Email: titleix@csuchico.edu
• Phone: 530-898-4949

• Purpose: Supports formerly incarcerated students through higher education
• Location: Student Services Center, Room 406
• Email: projectrebound@csuchico.edu
• Phone: 530-898-4710

StudentRightsandResponsibilities

• Purpose: Promotes each student’s rights and potential for learning and repair while upholding the Student Code of Conduct
• Location: Student Services Center, Room 180
• Email: srr@csuchico.edu
• Phone: 530-898-6897

WellCat Counseling Center

• Purpose: Free brief individual and group therapeutic services for regularly enrolled students
• Location: Student Services Center, Room 430
• Email: counselingcenter@csuchico.edu
• Phone: 530-898-6345
• 24-hour protocol hotline: 530-898-6345 (prompt 2)

WellCat Health Center

• Purpose: On-campus health clinic that provides reduced cost student services
• Location: 601 Warner Street
• Email: healthcenter@csuchico.edu
• Phone: 530-898-5241
• 24/7 Access to Health Services through TimelyCare!

WellCat Prevention

• Purpose: Harm reduction, alcohol and substance education, and health promotion
• Location: ESTM 150P
• Email: prevention@csuchico.edu
• Phone: 530-898-6450
• Schedule an Appointment or Book a Training!

WellCat Safe Place

• Purpose: Confidential support for individuals impacted by domestic violence, sexual assault, harassment, and/or stalking
• Location: Student Services Center, Room 430
• Email: safeplace@csuchico.edu
• Phone: 530-898-3030

You’re often the first to notice when something is wrong. Here’s how to recognize distress and respond with compassion and confidence.

• Excessive absences or disengagement
• Inappropriate classroom behavior or withdrawal
• Disclosures of trauma, grief, or self-harm
• Signs of academic or emotional burnout

• “I’ve noticed you seem overwhelmed. Would you like to talk?”
• “Would you feel comfortable connecting with the Counseling Center?”
• “I believe in your ability to get through this — let’s find support together.”

• Submit a CARE Report

Grief is complex and not linear. If your class or community has experienced a death:

• Allow students the option to step away from difficult discussions.
• Avoid speculating on causes.
• Validate all feelings, including anger, confusion, or guilt.
• Offer a follow-up conversation space or refer to The WellCat Counseling Center.

Debunking Myths About Suicide

• Talking about suicide won’t cause it — it can reduce shame and save lives.
• Most people who are suicidal feel conflicted — connection can make all the difference.
• A sudden lift in mood may still signal risk — stay engaged, keep the door open.
• Your support matters — therapy helps, but so do relationships and community.

Chico Outpatient

• 560 Cohasset Ave. Suite 175, Chico, CA 95926
• Phone: (530) 891-2784
• Check-in Times: Tuesday & Thursday at 1:00 pm

Oroville Outpatient

• 82 Table Mountain Blvd., Oroville, CA 95965
• Phone: (530) 538-7705
• Check-in: Call Access Line for appointment (530) 891-2810

Gridley Outpatient

• 995 Spruce Street, Gridley, CA 95948
• Phone: (530) 846-7305
• Check-in: Call Access Line for appointment (530) 891-2810

Community Services Center

• 7200 Skyway, Paradise, CA 95969
• Phone: (530) 877-5845
• Check-in: Call Access Line for appointment (530) 891-2810

Chico Community Counseling Center

• 109 Parmac Rd. Suite 1, Chico, CA 95926
• Phone: (530) 891-2945
• Call for appointment

Oroville Community Counseling Center

• 88 Table Mountain Blvd., Oroville, CA 95965
• Phone: (530) 538-2158
• Call for appointment

Gridley Community Counseling Center

• 995 Spruce Street, Gridley, CA 95948
• Phone: (530) 846-7305
• Call for appointment

Paradise Community Services Center

• 7200 Skyway, Paradise, CA 95969
• Phone: (530) 877-5845
• Call for appointment

Substance Use Disorder Services

Chico Drug & Alcohol Services

• 560 Cohasset Rd. Suite 165, Chico, CA 95926
• Phone: (530) 879-3950
• Hours: Monday 9:00 am, Thursday 1:00 pm
• If pregnant and/or IV user, will be seen within 48 hours

Oroville Drug & Alcohol Services

• 2430 Bird Street, Oroville, CA 95965
• Phone: (530) 538-7277
• Hours: Thursday 1:00 pm
• If pregnant and/or IV user, will be seen within 48 hours

Stepping Stones Perinatal Program

• 2167 Montgomery St., Oroville, CA 95965
• Phone: (530) 538-4359
• Also at: 109 Parmac Suite 2, Chico, CA 95926
• Phone: (530) 879-3363
• Hours: Wednesday 1:00 pm
• Call for appointment — intake within 48 hours if pregnant and/or IV user

• Behavioral Health Crisis Lines: 800-334-6622 or 530-891-2810 (24/7)
• Crisis Text Line: Text LISTEN to 741741
• Friendship Line (Older Adults):  800-971-0016
• National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: 988 orChat online
• North Valley Talk Line: 855-582-5554 | Hours: 4:30 to 9:30 pm, 7 days a week
• Trevor Lifeline (LGBTQ+): 866-488-7386
• Veterans Crisis Line: 800-273-8255 (Press 1)