View from above of student in CRX.

Helping someone

Do you see any behaviour that may be out of character or unusual for someone? Early intervention plays a key role in supporting mental health challenges.

Case Management

The Student Support team offers non-clinical case management services to students with complex needs at the University of Ottawa. 
Refer a Student
Consult with the Student Support Team

When you submit a referral form concerning a student, a Student Support Coordinator will contact you soon to ask additional clarifying questions and determine next steps to help support you as well as the student. 

If you need to consult about case management services, you can submit a consultation request form and a member of the student support team will contact you shortly.

If you are concerned about a student’s immediate safety or it is an emergency situation, please contact Protection Services immediately at 613-562-5411.

The Student Support team will provide case management services to students at uOttawa. Our goal is to provide students with a holistic approach to managing their complex academic, medical, or personal needs.

Recognize unusual behaviour 

Do you see any behaviour that may be out of character or unusual for someone? Early intervention plays a key role in supporting mental health challenges.

Behaviour that is violent, destructive, harmful, aggressive or threatening to self or others. This is an emergency. 

  • Are they thinking frequently of harming themselves, or seriously considering suicide?  

  • Are they missing most of their classes or work? 

Changes in personal appearance and hygiene, low mood, avoidance of people, substance use concerns, disorganized thinking, expressions of hopelessness, or references to suicide. 

  • Avoiding family, coworkers and friends or feeling isolated. 

  • Stopped taking care of themselves or their personal hygiene. 

  • Something unexpected happened in their life, like a death or accident. 

  • Taking substances, like drugs or alcohol to cope. 

Difficulty with studies, family or relationship problems, chronic health conditions, difficulty concentrating, issues with sleep, increased interpersonal conflict. 

  • Feeling overwhelmed in their studies or work. 

  • Having family or relationship issues. 

  • Having difficulties concentrating or with sleeping. 

Respond with concern and empathy

Non-judgmental and supportive language includes:  

  • “I have noticed...”  

  • “I am concerned...” 

  • “I hear what you are saying...”  

  • “How can I help you to...” 

Refer the person to available resources

Non-judgmental and supportive language includes: 

  • “What do you need in order to...”  

  • “Can I suggest...”  

  • “uOttawa Wellness website has lots of resources. Let’s look at it together...”  

We have resources to help. What works for them right now? 

Books and computer.

Resources Available in PDF