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Crisis Resources

BIT: Behavioral Intervention Team

The Behavioral Intervention Team, or BIT, is a team of staff who work directly with struggling students. The BIT process is designed to identify members of the Indiana Tech community who need support, guidance, or other intervention and to refer them to appropriate campus and community resources. The BIT process identifies the potential for disruptive conduct, self-harm, and the risk of violence to others. The BIT comprises campus counselors, wellness services coordinator, the Title IX coordinator, security, OSS, and residence life representatives.

The BIT adheres to the standards set by the National Association for Behavioral Intervention and Threat Assessment (NABITA). You can learn more about NABITA here.

If you have concerns about a student’s wellness, please file a BIT report.

Symtoms of a Mental Health Crisis

    • Difficulty functioning in everyday life (e.g., doing daily tasks like brushing teeth or showering, becoming impossible to get out of bed, unable to attend class or work)

    • Intense or sudden changes in mode

    • Hallucinations or delusions

    • Paranoia

    • Feelings of intense anger or violent behavior

    • Suicidal thoughts or making plans

    • Self-harming or self-medicating

    • Thoughts of harming others

    • Isolating or withdrawing from others

    • Feelings of hopelessness

When living with a mental health condition, these may already seem normal. However, these behaviors become a crisis or begin to approach a crisis when these behaviors are not your norm.

Crisis Resources

Wellness Clinic

  • Hours: M-F 8:30-5:00 (Closed during breaks)
  • Location: Andorfer Commons, Student Affairs
  • Phone: 260-266-8060
  • Email: counseling@indianatech.edu

Campus Safety 

  • Location: Andorfer Commons, 144
  • Direct Line: 260-399-2805
  • Mobile: 260-740-6642
  • Intercampus: Ext 2230
  • Email: security@indianatech.edu

Emergency Room

  • Parkview: 2200 Randallia Dr
  • Lutheran: 702 Van Buren St

Fort Wayne Police Department 

  • Non-emergency: 260-427-1222
  • Emergency: 911 (Ask for a CIT officer)

National Crisis Lines

  • Suicide & Crisis: 988
  • Veterans Crisis Line: 988 (Press 1)
  • Trevor Project Hotline (LGBTQ):
    • Call: 1-866-488-7386
    • Text: 678678
  • Trans Lifeline: 1-877-565-8860
  • Domestic Violence: 1-800-799-7233
  • Crisis Text Line: 741741

How to Help Someone in a Crisis

Tips

  • Stay calm. Speak in a calm, low voice. Move slowly.
  • Listen. Listening is crucial in helping someone through a crisis. Actively listen to what they are saying to understand their situation and symptoms fully.
  • Ask how you can help. Everyone receives support in different ways. You can ask, “How can I best support you?” “what do you need at this moment?” “can I help you call for help?”
  • Offer options. Some people might feel overwhelmed if they lose control of the situation. Providing someone with options will allow them to express what they need most and feel more in control of themselves. You can ask, “Do you want me to call the counseling center, or do you want to walk with me to the counseling center?” “do you want to sit or lay down?” “do you want to take a walk or listen to music?”
  • Give them space. It can be instinct to hug or embrace a person in crisis. Some people might feel trapped or overstimulated by this. Instead, ask them, “Can I hug you?” “Can I sit next to you?”
  • Ask if they have a crisis plan. Some people, especially when in treatment, might have a crisis plan. Ask if the person has a crisis plan and if you can see it. This will help you know what they need during the crisis
Lethal Means Safety

When someone is experiencing suicidal ideation or thoughts of self-harm, it’s essential to make sure they’re safe but also the environment is secure. Ensuring the person does not have access to lethal means is crucial in a crisis. For more information on how to talk to someone about their access to lethal means, please visit the Educational Fund to Stop Gun Violence website. You can also take an online course from Zero Suicide to be trained in these techniques.

Indiana Tech recognizes the importance of making an environment safe for those who live with mental health concerns. If you or anyone you know has access to lethal means and may present symptoms of mental health illnesses or suicidal ideation, you can obtain a free firearm lock courtesy of the Fort Wayne VA. To request a lock, email Jozy Garrison at JAGarrison@indianatech.edu, visit campus security or stop by the Indiana Tech Military/Veterans office in Abbott.

To learn more about proper firearm safety and suicide prevention, visit the VA website.

*As a reminder, firearms are not permitted anywhere on campus. This information is strictly for suicide prevention purposes.*

Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS)

The Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS) is a standard tool used to assess suicide risk and determine the level of care needed.

You can now download the free app to access this tool wherever and whenever needed!

You will be guided through the questions to ask someone who is expressing suicidal thoughts. At the end, you will be given guidance on whether you should contact a hotline/CIT police officer or help them get connected to counseling.

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