Student Assistance Program

The BayCare Student Assistance Program (SAP) is a free, voluntary and confidential counseling service for students facing personal problems which may interfere with their academic success. Students can contact BayCare at 800-878-5470, BayCareSAP@BayCare.org or complete the confidential request form found under the "Links on this page" section.

What Types of Problems Does the Student Assistance Program Address?

Counselors can help students work through most personal problems which may affect school life, family life or general well-being, including:

  • Stress, anxiety, or depression
  • Conflict resolution
  • Relationships
  • Academic challenges
  • Trauma
  • Substance abuse

How Does the Program Work?

Students can connect with a BayCare master’s level mental health clinician at 800-878-5470, BayCareSAP@baycare.org or complete the confidential form to request support. After giving a brief description of their concerns, students are provided with contact information for BayCare providers in their area or referrals to community resources. BayCare providers offer services in person or virtually, depending on the student’s needs.

How to Get Started

For support during regular business hours (Monday–Friday from 7:30 a.m.–6 p.m.), contact BayCare at 800-878-5470, BayCareSAP@baycare.org or complete the confidential form. Please do not email or complete a form if you are experiencing a mental health crisis.

Common issues to address during normal business hours:

  • How to begin therapy
  • Talk through a challenging circumstance
  • General mental health needs
  • Crisis support for urgent needs 

What is a Mental Health Crisis?

Feeling overwhelmed, sad or anxious at times is completely normal. Understanding the difference between everyday stress and a mental health crisis helps you choose the right way to take care of yourself and identify which resources are best for different situations.

If you are experiencing a mental health crisis and are in need of immediate care:

  • Call BayCare at 800-878-5470
  • Call 988
  • Go to your nearest emergency room

Who Pays for These Visits?

The College has partnered with BayCare to provide students with three confidential counseling per academic year at no charge. If additional services are needed, the counselor will coordinate with the student’s insurance provider or may offer a sliding fee scale for uninsured students.

Does Anyone Know I’m Using the Student Assistance Program?

No, utilizing the SAP is confidential and voluntary. The only potential exception is when a student is in immediate danger of harming themselves, others or the college community.

For questions regarding the Student Assistance Program, please contact BayCare at 800-878-5470, BayCareSAP@baycare.org or the Assistant Dean of Student Affairs and Enrollment Management on any campus.  

Life happens...Take Action, Be Prepared. Be sure to check out the BayCare Behavioral Health Personal Advantage program where you will find helpful articles, tips, resources and more.

Mental Health Services

PHSC is committed to supporting students’ mental health and overall well-being. PHSC’s Mental Health Services Coordinator, Eddie Williams, Ed.D., helps connect students with both on-campus support and trusted community providers, including BayCare.
Services include:

  • Connecting students to community resources that address barriers to learning, such as housing instability, food insecurity and other basic needs
  • Offering mental health awareness workshops focused on prevention, coping strategies, and help-seeking behaviors
  • Hosting campus resource fairs to increase access to mental health and wellness services 

Contact Information:

Eddie Williams, Ed.D.

Email: williad@phsc.edu

Phone: 352-340-4865

Crisis Intervention and Suicide Hotline

If you are facing a potential crisis situation, there are many resources to help you.

  • Dial 211 (United Way's 3-digit hotline)— Everyone should thrive, not just survive. Call 211 to connect to help for health care, housing, food, childcare and more.
  • De Prevención del Suicidio
  • Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
    • Dial 988 (Three-digit dialing code that will route callers to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline)
    • 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
  • Suicide Prevention Lifeline for Hearing Impaired Individuals (TTY)
  • Veterans Crisis Line: 1-800-273-8255 (Press 1)