Crisis and Consultation

Crisis Intervention      

A SHAW crisis counselor is available Monday through Friday (9:00am – 4:00pm). Same day crisis sessions are reserved for students in high distress (see criteria below). Crisis sessions are intended to be brief (30 minutes) and focus on stabilization, short term problem solving, and identification of next steps. Please call 414-229-7429, option 2, during business hours.

SHAW Crisis FAQ

What criteria are required to be seen for a Counseling Services crisis session?

Any of the the below criteria are required to qualify for a Counseling Services crisis session:

  • I’m concerned about my ability to keep myself safe.
  • I’m having thoughts of harming someone else.
  • I am bothered by hearing or seeing things that others do not.
  • I have experienced a traumatic event within the last month.

Counseling Services is a relatively small team of mental health professionals working to provide the best mental health care possible to over 24,000 students. Counseling Services has identified the above criteria for crisis sessions to focus our crisis response to those most in need and to protect ongoing service time so we can see more students and offer more diverse services.

What do I do if my personal crisis doesn’t fit the above criteria?

If your current circumstances do not meet the above criteria for a crisis, you are still welcome to contact SHAW Counseling but you will not be able to been seen for a same day crisis session. In this scenario, SHAW staff will reach out to you by phone within the next 24 hours (Mon-Fri) to provide support and explore next steps to connect you to any needed services or resources.

Are crisis sessions in-person or over the phone?

Crisis sessions are almost always in-person. In certain unique circumstances, when clinically appropriate, crisis intervention may happen over the phone or via Microsoft Teams. In all cases, contacting us via phone (414-229-7429, option 2) ahead of time will help expedite our response.

If SHAW is closed or you need help finding crisis resources in the community, please utilize any of the following options.

UW Mental Health Support 24/7  – 888-531-2142

National and Local Hotlines
  • National Suicide Prevention Lifeline – 988
  • HOPELINE (crisis textline) – Text Hopeline to 741741
  • Veterans Crisis Line – 1-800-273-8255 (press 1)
  • Trevor Lifeline (LGBTQ+) –  1-866-488-7386
  • Milwaukee County Crisis Line – 414-257-7222

Wisconsin Crisis Lines by County

Consultation

SHAW clinical staff are available to consult with faculty, staff, family and friends who are concerned about a UWM student. Within limits of confidentiality and expertise, we will assist in the process of obtaining counseling or other appropriate assistance for the student.