If danger appears imminent, call University Police 828-262-8000 (M-F, 8 am-5 pm); 828-262-2150 (after work hours). Do not promise to keep threats to self or others secret.

Concerned about yourself? Call CFS at 828-262-4951 or come in. We are in University Hall, 400 University Hall Drive (take the first left  after Staples), Monday thru Friday, 8am-5pm (except on ASU Holidays).

Concerned about an employee, colleague or friend?

1. Have that person call or come in as shown above or
2. Come in with that person or
3. Call or come in alone to consult about that person.

After hours, call University Police at 828-262-2150, and they will contact CFS.

Other referral options:

1. New River Behavioral HealthCare 828-264-8759; emergency number 828-264-4357;
2. Oasis (sexual assault and domestic violence) 828-262-5035 (crisis intervention); 1-800-268-1488 (24-hour crisis line)
3. ASU Counseling and Psychological Services Center (for students) 828-262-3180 (M-F, 8 am-5 pm; 828-262-2150 after hours)

When should I be concerned about someone?

Items below may be considered red flags or  warning signs especially if a person demonstrates several of the items below:

• Violence, cruelty, or anger problems
• Violent fantasy content in writings, drawings, reading, viewing preferences, role-playing
• Imitation of murderers/ Interest in previous shootings
• Fascination with weapons/accoutrements
• Boasting of/practicing fighting/combat
• Loner
• Suicidal thinking
• Homicidal thinking
• Stalking
• History of infractions, non-compliance or disciplinary problems
• Victim/martyr self-concept
• Strangeness and aberrant behavior
• Paranoia
• Inappropriate emotions/behaviors
• Use of alcohol/drugs

In today’s climate, all of us have heightened sensitivities to potential danger on campus. Still, it is very important that we not harass or target anyone. Everyone must be treated fairly and responsibly, but the campus is not powerless or reluctant to act decisively when threats arise.

Tips for talking to someone who seems to have a problem

• Talk to the person privately to help minimize embarrassment and defensiveness.
• Listen carefully and respond to both the content and the emotions of the situation.
• Discuss your observations and perceptions of the situation directly and honestly.
• Express your concern in a non-judgmental way. Respect the person’s value system, even if you do not agree with it.
• Help the person identify options for action and explore the possible consequences. If relevant, you may remind the person that "what you are currently doing to solve your problem is not working."
• Be frank with the person about the limits on your ability to help him or her.
• Explain to the person that "normal" people get counseling to help the person overcome any stigma they may associate with counseling.
• You can let the person know that over 10% of ASU employees use CFS services each year.
• Remind the person that they do not always have to know what's wrong before asking for help.
• Remind the person that they do not have to experience a "deep, dark" problem or be in crisis in order to benefit from professional help. It is better to come in with a small problem rather than wait for the problem to become more difficult.
• A reluctant person might be relieved to know that they can speak to a counselor on a one time basis without making a commitment to ongoing counseling.
• If you want to offer extra support, you can have the person call CFS from your office, and/or offer to accompany the person to his or her first session.
• Remind the person that CFS services are free.