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Does your syllabus contain suicide and mental health resources? A 2021 survey of more than 5,000 students at 39 U.S. law schools found that roughly one in nine had seriously considered suicide during the preceding year, while more than two-thirds believed they needed help for an emotional or mental-health problem.

The National Task Force on Lawyer Well-Being has sample syllabus language and guidance to consider here (page 35). The Task Force advises law professors to adopt uniform attendance policies to support early detection of students in crisis, counter stigma by talking openly about suicide and mental health support, and include mental health resources in course syllabi.

Below is the language from my syllabi. Feel free to copy it. Note: your University likely has language you can use too. Here is the University of Akron’s support page: https://www.uakron.edu/suicide-prevention/resources

Suicide & Mental Health Resources

Law school can intensify mental health and substance-use struggles. If you are struggling, please ask for help. You are always welcome to talk with me. I am not a counselor or an emergency resource, and I cannot promise confidentiality when someone’s safety may be at risk. But I can listen, help connect you with support, and work with you on any course-related effects.

If You Need Help Now

If you are thinking about suicide, experiencing a mental health crisis, or just need someone to talk to, call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org. You may also contact 988 if you are worried about someone else or are unsure what to do. Support is free, confidential, and available 24 hours a day.

You may also text HOME to 741741 to reach a trained volunteer counselor through the Crisis Text Line.

If a suicide attempt or overdose is in progress, someone has been seriously injured, or there is another immediate danger to life, call 911. The [Your School’s Police Department] is also available 24 hours a day at [Phone Number]

If You Are Worried About Another Student

Take the concern seriously. You do not need to decide whether the risk is “serious enough” or manage the situation yourself.

Warning signs vary. You do not need to be certain before seeking help. Take particular note if someone talks or posts about wanting to die, makes a suicide plan, or says they feel hopeless, trapped, in unbearable pain, or like a burden. More suicide warning signs are available through 988.

• Call or text 988 for guidance. You may contact 988 about someone else even if that person is not with you.
• If you feel able, it is okay to ask directly: “Are you thinking about suicide?” Asking directly does not increase suicidal thoughts. Listen without judgment, do not promise to keep a suicide plan secret, and help connect the student with professional support.
• For a concern that does not require an immediate response, submit a [School Referral Program]. The [Referral Program] is not an emergency service. Do not wait for a [Referral] Team response when someone may be in immediate danger.
• You may also bring the concern to [Director of Student Affairs, Dean of Student Affairs]

Confidential and Ongoing Support

(this is specific to my University and the General Akron Area)

• University of Akron Counseling and Testing Center: Simmons Hall 306; Call 330-972-7082; Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m. For after-hours crisis support, call the same number and select option 2.
• Ohio Lawyers Assistance Program: Confidential assistance specifically for Ohio law students experiencing depression, anxiety, stress, substance-use problems, or other mental-health concerns. Call 800-348-4343.
• Portage Path Psychiatric Emergency Services: In-person psychiatric crisis care available 24 hours a day at 10 Penfield Avenue in Akron. Call 330-762-6110.

Additional Specialized Support

• LGBTQ+ Support: Contact The Trevor Project 24 hours a day. Call 866-488-7386, text START to 678678, or use online chat.
• Transgender and questioning students: Trans Lifeline provides anonymous peer support at 877-565-8860, Monday–Friday, 1–9 p.m. Eastern. It is not a 24-hour crisis service.
• Students of color: Through The Steve Fund, text STEVE to 741741 for 24-hour Crisis Text Line support.
• Veterans, service members, and their loved ones: Contact the Veterans Crisis Line by calling 988 and pressing 1, texting 838255, or using online chat.