Crisis Intervention For Faculty

The Health Services Counseling Department is available to faculty who are experiencing an emergency situation with a student.

CRISIS INTERVENTION FOR FACULTY AND STAFF presentation explains how faculty members should respond to student mental health emergencies.

CRISIS RESPONSE A: Students Expressing Clear and Imminent Danger to Self

Examples:

• A student has already taken pills
• A student with a weapon threatening to kill oneself
• A student sends an e-mail stating an intention to kill oneself

Intervention:

• Call police at 911
• Notify your supervisor or department head
• Contact Health Services at 726-8155 to consult about a response plan

Do stay calm, take statements seriously, be direct, be available, and contact police.

Do Not minimize the situation, ignore the student, or attempt to solve the problem yourself.

CRISIS RESPONSE B: Students Expressing Ambiguous Danger to Self

Examples:

• A student sends an e-mail indicating life isn't worth living
• A student confides they have thoughts of killing him/herself
• A student describes suicidal thoughts in a class assignment

Intervention:

Between 8:00am and 4:00pm

• Contact Health Services (HS) at 726-8155
• Schedule a same day appointment (available until 3:00pm)
• Escort the student to Health Services, if needed
• Talk to a counselor about options
• Notify your supervisor or department head

Between 4:00pm and 8:00am

• Call Miller Dean Crisis Line at 723-0099
• If you have concerns, consult with police at 911