What to do in a Crisis
MENTAL HEALTH CRISIS DEFINED
While it is difficult to completely capture the definition of a mental health crisis, the following are some examples: suicidal thoughts, self-harm behaviors, homicidal thoughts, suicide attempt, recent victim of sexual/physical assault, and recent victim of domestic violence.
In all scenarios, please do not use email communication during a mental health crisis. We are unable to monitor our email communications at all times, and we want all crisis scenarios to be addressed as quickly as possible.
AFTER UNIVERSITY HOURS
The University Counseling Center provides emergency on-call services for on-campus mental health crisis.
On-Campus Crisis
Emergency care after hours can be obtained by calling the University Police Department at 985-549-2222. The on-call counselor will be notified by the University Police Department.
Off-Campus Crisis
If you are experiencing a mental health crisis while off-campus, please call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
DURING UNIVERSITY HOURS
If a mental health crisis occurs during the regular work hours, students are encouraged to come to the UCC immediately to see a counselor or call 985-549-3894. When you arrive at the UCC, please inform the front office staff that it is an emergency.
If necessary, the Counseling Center may serve as a referral agent to off-campus agencies
such as hospitals, facilities, or private practitioners that are deemed most appropriate.
Consult the following Mental Health Crisis Intervention Plan from the Office of Student Advocacy and Accountability on how to report, when to report and who to report to when a student is in crisis.
HOSPITALIZATION INFORMATION
What happens if my counselor decides an emergency evaluation is needed?
- University Police will be contacted to assist in transportation to the hospital.
- An University Counseling Center counselor will meet you at the hospital and stay with you for the evaluation process.
- Medical staff will meet with you to discuss any mental health and medical concerns.
- A physician, social worker, and nurse will determine the best care for you.
- Sometimes, it is determined that a student needs immediate care, and this would involve being transferred to a Behavioral Health Treatment Provider.
Upon discharge, you will receive Discharge Paperwork or a Discharge Plan/Summary. Please be sure this is forwarded to the Office of Advocacy and Accountability in Mims Hall 2nd floor and the University Counseling Center. One or both of these offices will assist you in returning to campus. If further resources are needed, please consult the Office of Advocacy and Accountability's Resource Page.
In all scenarios, please do not use email communication during a mental health crisis. We are unable to monitor our email communications at all times, and we want all crisis scenarios to be addressed as quickly as possible.
