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If you or someone you know is a danger to themselves or someone else, go to the nearest ER or call 911.
The closest ER from campus is Southern Ohio Medical Center located at 1805 27th Street, Portsmouth, Ohio 45662. You can also reach them by phone at (740) 354-5000.

On SSU Campus and have an urgent need?
Contact SSU Department of Public Safety at (740) 351-3232 to meet with a licensed mental health professional for crisis intervention or screening outside of regular business hours.

Ohio 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

988 Ohio logo

Dial 988 for free and confidential support.

The Ohio 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline was launched last year to provide 24/7 access to trained crisis professionals for anyone who is in mental health crisis, having suicidal thoughts, dealing with substance use, or experiencing any other kind of emotional distress. This resource is free for all students and staff at SSU.

Hotline Information:

  • National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255) 
  • National 24/7 Suicide Hotline: 1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433) 
  • List of State of Ohio Suicide Hotlines
  • Local 1010 Hotline: 740-354-1010
  • LGBT Youth Suicide Hotline: 1-866-4-U-TREVOR
  • SSU Crisis Text Line: Text “shawnee” to 741-741

The Crisis Text Line serves anyone in any type of crisis, providing them access to free, 24/7 emotional support and information they need via the medium they already use and trust. Here’s how it works:

  • Someone texts into the Crisis Text Line anywhere, anytime, about any type of crisis.
  • A live, trained specialist receives the text and responds quickly.
  • The specialist helps the person stay safe and healthy with effective, secure counseling and referrals through text message using the Crisis Text Line’s platform.

Immediate Post-Suicide Help:

Contact the SSU Department of Public Safety at (740) 351-3232 immediately and request a mental health counselor.  Campus Counselors are trained in Critical Incident Stress Debriefing, Psychological First-Aid and Trauma work.  CCS staff are available to response to attempted or completed suicides at any time.  Campus Counseling Services works collaboratively with other SSU offices to provide emotional support, education, and communication to the campus community on an "as needed" basis.  CCS also collaborates with the Scioto County Suicide Prevention Coalition Crisis Response Team to provide services in the aftermath of any crisis requiring more mental health resources than are available through CCS.