What Does BCC's CARE Team Do?
We assist students experiencing behavioral or emotional challenges by assessing their needs and responding with appropriate support and referrals. We provide professional development to faculty and staff regarding recognition of signs and symptoms and how to reach out to students.
We meet twice monthly and on an as-needed basis to address or respond to related issues or concerns.
Who is Part of the CARE Team?
Our team is comprised of members from across college departments, offering a diversity of perspectives and approaches to support our students. Our members include:
- Dean of Students
- Assistant to the VP of Student Affairs and Enrollment Services
- Assistant Dean of Student Affairs/Director of Student Support
- Personal Counselor
- Director of Safety and Security
- Director of TRIO Student Support Services
- Director of Academic Operations
- Director of One Stop
- Ad-hoc members on an as-needed basis
Why Would I Contact the CARE Team?
Please notify the CARE Team if you are concerned about a student, either because you have noticed a significant change in their behavior, or simply have a "gut feeling" that they are in distress.
Signs of Concern
- Changes in academic performance
- Depressed mood or sadness or noticeable fatigue
- Not attending classes on a regular basis
- Significant changes in appearance or hygiene
- Disruptive or agitated behavior
- Sleeping in class
- Appearing anxious and unable to focus
- Loss of contact with reality (psychosis)
- Concerns about relationship/domestic violence
- Indication of significant substance use
- Self-harm
- Suicidal statements or ideation
Is It an Emergency?
Is a student at imminent risk? Are any of the following behaviors present?
- Attempting to seriously hurt themselves or someone else
- Possessing a weapon
- Out of control behavior
First, call 911. Then, call Security 413-499-4660, extension 6100.
Are You Concerned?
Do you have a concern about an individual on campus? Please report your concern to the CARE Team.
How Else Can You Help?
-
Tips
- Share with your student your concerns.
- Be direct and specific — "Ive noticed you have not attended class as regularly as you used to. How can I help?"
- Listen with sensitivity and empathy.
- Refer student to one of the resources listed below.
- If you are on campus, walk with the student to the appropriate resource.
-
Campus Resources
- Personal Counseling:
Student Support Center: SBA 118
413-236-1609 or 413-236-1617 - Dean of Students:
413-236-1601 - Security (available 24/7):
413-236-6100 or 413-236-1010 - Disability Resource Center:
413-236-1608 or 413-236-1660 - Students for Recovery:
recovery@berkshirecc.edu - TRIO Student Support Services:
413-236-1680 - Human Resources:
413-236-1021
- Personal Counseling:
-
Community Resources
- Suicide and Crisis Support Line
Text or Call 988 - Mass Behavioral Health Help Line
- Berkshire County Crisis Team (Mental Health Crisis):
800-252-0227 or 413-499-0412 (available 24/7) - Elizabeth Freeman Center:
Sexual Assault and Relationship Violence Support
866-401-2425 - Trevor Project (LGBTQ):
866-488-7386
Text START to 678-678 - Berkshire Medical Center Emergency:
911 or 413-447-2000 (available 24/7) - Anonymous Mental Health Screening
- MassHelp
- Suicide and Crisis Support Line
-
Consult with Us
If you have questions or would like to speak with a staff member, please contact us:
- Lisa Mattila, Personal Counseling:
413-236-1609 or 413-236-1660 - Ellis Richardson, Director of Safety and Security:
413-236-1011 - Celia Norcross, Dean of Student Affairs:
413-236-1601 - George Ambriz, Assistant Dean of Student Affairs/Director of Success Program:
413-236-1625
- Lisa Mattila, Personal Counseling: