Frequently Asked Questions

Students can join the NSU Students for Prevention, Intervention, and Response to Emergencies (NSPIRE) group. For more information about NSPIRE, contact Jessica DaCosta at jd2448@mynsu.nova.edu.

Anyone can participate in the "Out of Darkness Walk" which is a community event in support of suicide prevention at Nova Southeastern University and attend other events listed on the events page. Those interested in suicide prevention can also join the American Association of Suicidology. Find more resources here.

If you think someone is suicidal, do not leave him or her alone. Help the person seek immediate assistance from his or her doctor, mental health walk-in clinic or the nearest hospital emergency room, or call 911. Eliminate access to firearms or other potential tools for suicide, including access to medications.

NSU Weapons Policy

Please be aware that NSU has a very strict weapons policy and does not permit anything that could be considered a weapon on campus. This is in contrast to Florida law and is strictly enforced on NSU’s campus.

Going with someone to a counselor often helps. If the person won't listen to you, you may need to talk to someone who might influence him or her. Saving a life is more important than violating a confidence.

We believe that suicide prevention is up to all of us! It is important that everyone who is in a position to notice the early warning signs of suicidal behavior learns how to intervene and how to access help. Parents, families, and friends, of course, play an important role, but they may need the help of others to recognize suicidal behaviors.

Suicidal behavior is one of the most complicated of human behaviors. This question cannot be answered briefly. There is no research that shows that a particular set of risk factors can accurately predict the likelihood of imminent danger of suicide for a specific individual. It is fair to say that suicidal people are experiencing varying degrees of external stressors, internal conflicts, and neurobiological dysfunction and these factors contribute to their state of mind. Depression, anxiety, conduct disorders, and substance abuse all contribute to the possibility of suicide, but they do not cause suicide. It is important to know the common risk factors and warning signs in order to prevent suicide.

The best way to know whether or not someone is suicidal is to ASK! Whether or not you know the warning signs of suicide, if for ANY reason you think someone might be suicidal, it is perfectly OKAY to ask. You will not cause suicide by asking and you may very well save a life. Suicidal individuals are in a lot of pain, and the very fact that someone has noticed, has expressed concern, and asked about suicide often provides the relief and time needed to explore other options and get help.

If you find you are often preoccupied by a concern, persistently experiencing anxiousness, sadness or anger, and/or finding yourself more isolated and having difficulty with focusing on your studies, you may benefit from using counseling services. If you find yourself thinking about not wanting to live, it is important you make use of counseling services to help you through these intense thoughts and feelings.

You can inquire about services or make an appointment by calling 954-424-6911 or 954-262-7050 or stopping by the Student Counseling center which is located at 3440 S. University Drive, Davie, FL 33328 (Interactive Campus Map).

The Center is open Monday through Friday. Hours are: Mon, Thurs, & Fri: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.; Tues and Wed: 9:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. Walk-ins are welcome. For more information, visit: http://www.nova.edu/healthcare/student-services/student-counseling.html

Student Counseling helps students:

• make sense of what is going on.
• make meaningful changes.
• find ways to better handle stress.
• identify sources of support.
• discover solutions.
• if necessary, see a psychiatrist and (if needed), obtain a prescription for medication.

The Student Counseling Center provides confidential services consistent with State of Florida and professional standards. Client records are not part of a student’s educational record.

NSU students have 10 free sessions per year. If a student requires additional sessions, a reasonable rate can be negotiated based on financial situation or referrals to professionals in the community can be facilitated.

No. Your sessions with a counselor are confidential. Their goal is to provide a safe environment for you to talk about personal matters.