CAPS Offers Training To Recognize the Call for Help
“We need to learn how to become gatekeepers for our campus community, informed and ready to intervene on behalf of those considering suicide.”
Leah McCoy, psychological counselor with the Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) at UH Sugar Land, knows the topic of suicide can be an uncomfortable one to discuss. But when confronted with crisis situations most want to know what they can do to provide the best kind of assistance.
An upcoming series of free workshops at UH Sugar Land offers training for students, staff and faculty to recognize the warning signs for suicide by questioning, persuading and referring (QPR).
“Research has shown that persons who ultimately attempt suicide often provide numerous direct or indirect clues as to their intentions,” McCoy said. “The goal of this training is to recognize these verbal, behavioral or situational clues and take steps to get the person professional help.”
People trained in the QPR program will learn to:
- Ask the suicide question
- Persuade the person to contact the appropriate assistance
- Identify referral options
QPR week at UH Sugar Land includes three opportunities for the one-hour training:
- 1 p.m., Wednesday, April 12
- Noon, Thursday, April 13
- 2 p.m. Thursday, April 13
This training workshop is free and open to all UH Sugar Land students, faculty and staff. Seating is limited and registration is required. Email Nadine Dimaliwat at mfdimali@central.uh.edu with your preferred session. All sessions will be held in the AMG Building Room 104.
McCoy is on the Sugar Land Campus Tuesdays – Thursdays from 2-5 p.m. Her office is located in the George Building suite 119 (the Division of Student Affairs and Enrollment Services area). To schedule an appointment, please call 713-743-5454 during regular business hours and be sure to mention the Sugar Land campus when making your appointment.
The Walk-in Clinic on Tuesdays 2-5 p.m. is free on a first come, first served basis and provides a point-of-entry to CAPS services, especially for students who may be reluctant to contact CAPS directly on their own. Faculty and Staff also may utilize the walk-in clinic for information, referrals or consultation for self or students of concern.
If you are experiencing a crisis situation and need to speak with someone immediately, please contact CAPS at 713-743-5454 and you will be connected to the consultant on duty. If you are in imminent crisis on UH Sugar Land Campus, please call Police Corporal Debra Pruitt at 832-842-2929. If it is after business hours and you are in imminent crisis, please call 911 or CAPS at 713-743-5454 and you will be connected to the after-hours counselor.