Emergency situations are rare: however, swift and decisive action is necessary when they do occur. Generally, a psychological emergency involves one or more of the following:

  • A suicide attempt, gesture, threat, or stated intention.
  • A homicidal attempt, gesture, threat, or stated intention.
  • Behavior posing a threat to self.
  • Behavior posing a threat to others.
  • Inability to care for self and this may include seeing and hearing things that other people do not (psychosis) that is causing distress.

In the event of an emergency, it is helpful to follow these basic guidelines:

  • Be prepared with the number for the Central Coast Hotline (call or text 24/7) and Mobile Crisis Team: (800) 783-0607.
  • If the threat is emergent activate the police by calling ext. 3205 or 911.
  • Stay calm, this will help you respond more effectively, and help to reduce the student’s anxiety or agitation.
  • Provide a quiet, private place for the student.
  • Be compassionate, yet direct-talk to the student in a clear, straight-forward manner.
  • If the student appears to be dangerous to self or others, do not leave the student unattended; be aware of your environment and always maintain personal safety. Call Campus Police for help. Set clear physical boundaries (i.e. “Please step back you are too close.”).
  • If you are not “in-person” (phone, zoom, or other virtual platform) ask for an exact location of where the person is and a call back number in case you are disconnected.

The primary campus resources for responding to mental health emergencies is Student Health Services or the Mobile Crisis Team (Sierra Mental Wellness Group. If the person is not safe, and you need immediate help call Campus Police or 911. Otherwise, it is best practice to involve a mental health professional by calling Student Health Services or the Mobile Crisis Team.

  • Cuesta Student Health Services: 805-546-3171, call ahead and walk the student over (SLO Room 3150 and NCC N10130).
  • Mobile Crisis Team (Sierra Mental Wellness Group: Anyone, Anywhere, Anytime call: 1-800-783-0607. They will respond anywhere in SLO County.
  • For safety emergencies, call for help - Campus Police ext. 3205 (or 911 if the person if off campus). Let them know this is a mental health emergency so they can activate additional support.
  • Phone consultation with a Health Center staff member are available by emailing: studenthealthcenter@cuesta.edu during weekday operations.
  • Never email or leave a message during an emergency because phone lines on campus are not monitored 24/7.
  • If the student is unusually aggressive of otherwise unmanageable, the Campus Police are available to help by dialing ext. 3205.
  • Be prepared to provide as much information as possible about the student and the situation to the campus resource you contact.

What Constitutes a Crisis/Walk-in Appointment at the Health Center?

  • Having current/recent thoughts of suicide AND a plan or intent.
  • Thoughts or verbal threats of harming someone else.
  • Concern for the safety of another person (friend, roommate, family member, classmate).
  • A recent experience or concern of unwanted sexual contact.
  • A recent experience of domestic violence (i.e. someone verbally, physically, emotionally hurting or attempting to hurt them).
  • A recent experience of stalking (i.e. someone engaging in a pattern of behavior that is creating fear for them, such as repeatedly following, calling, emailing or texting them).
  • Seeing or hearing things that others do not seem to see or hear that is causing them distress.
  • Substance use that feels out of control (i.e. alcohol, legal or illegal substances, etc.).

Quick Guide: The Student with Suicidal Thoughts

  1. Assess for Suicide:
    1. Ask directly if the student has thoughts of suicide.
    2. Ask if they have a plan to do it.
    3. Ask if they have a method/means to do it.
  2. Respond & Give Resources: If a person is suicidal AND has a plan, do not wait. Call Student Health Services (805-546-3171), or the Central Coast Hotline (800-783-0607), call or text 24/7.

Remember, FERPA’s health or safety emergency provision permits such disclosures when the disclosure is necessary to protect the health or safety of the student or other individuals.

  • By completing a Student Support Referral Form online, the Resolution Support Coordinator will personally reach out and offer necessary assistance and resources.