The University prides itself on being a warm and caring community whose members look out for one another. The University’s goal is to foster an atmosphere of actively encouraging persons who appear to be troubled or distressed to seek help. Faculty can and should support students who exhibit signs of distress by communicating concerns, listening nonjudgmentally, remaining consistent in their expectations, and referring students to additional resources as needed. 

If an emergency should arise that is potentially life-threatening, faculty members should contact 911 for immediate assistance. Otherwise, faculty members with concerns about the physical, emotional, or psychological well-being of a student are advised to contact either Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) or Care and Support Services (CASS).

CAPS provides free mental health support to students on Grounds through direct clinical care, as well as through consultation and referral services for students, faculty, and staff. Support from CAPS may be accessed 24/7 by calling (434) 243-5150. During business hours, this number connects callers to the CAPS front desk who can route the call to the appropriate clinician. After hours and on weekends, calls to CAPS are routed to a crisis line capable of assisting with mental health crises. Student wanting to talk through a stressor or non-urgent concern can access 24-hour on-demand support through TimelyCare’s TalkNow service.

CASS provides support for students in a variety of behavioral and personal well-being contexts and also engages in general, nonacademic advising and troubleshooting of student issues and needs. CASS provides non-clinical consultation, coaching, referrals, outreach and training, and resources for assisting students with their safety and well-being. Those in need of support or referrals may contact CASS via email at cass@virginia.edu or at (434) 924-7133, Monday - Friday from 8 AM to 5 PM. CASS staff operate a 24/7 Dean on Call program and may also be reached after hours for urgent non-clinical concerns by contacting the University Police Department at (434) 924-7166 and asking them to refer the issue to the Dean on Call.