Procedures in the Event of Mental Health Emergency or Crisis
Mental Health Emergency
A mental health emergency is a life threatening situation in which an individual is imminently threatening harm to self or others, severely disoriented or out of touch with reality, has a severe inability to function, or is otherwise distraught and out of control.
Examples of a Mental Health Emergency include:
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Acting on a suicide threat
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Homicidal or threatening behavior
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Self-injury needing immediate medical attention
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Severely impaired by drugs or alcohol
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Highly erratic or unusual behavior that indicates very unpredictable behavior and/or an inability to care for themselves.
Suggestions for What to Do in Case of a Mental Health Emergency
Call 9-1-1, and then contact Campus Security (425) 388-9998 (9998 from campus phones).
Mental Health Crisis
A mental health crisis is a non-life threatening situation in which an individual is exhibiting extreme emotional disturbance or behavioral distress, considering harm to self or others, disoriented or out of touch with reality, has a compromised ability to function, or is otherwise agitated and unable to be calmed.
Examples of a Mental Health Crisis include:
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Talking about suicide threats
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Talking about threatening behavior
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Self-injury, but not needing immediate medical attention
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Alcohol or substance abuse
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Highly erratic or unusual behavior
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Eating disorders
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Not taking their prescribed psychiatric medications
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Emotionally distraught, very depressed, angry or anxious
Suggestions for What to Do in Case of a Mental Health Crisis
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Call Counseling & Student Success (CSS) emergency line (EvCC Staff Use Only) at (425) 388-9168 (9168 from campus phones). State that you have a person in crisis.
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Escort them to the CACC (Third Floor, Parks Student Union) or ask that a counselor be sent to your location or contact Campus Security if you would like an escort.
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If possible, remain with the person until help arrives.
After Hours and Weekends
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Call Care Crisis Line: (425) 258-4357 or 1-800-584-3578
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Call Campus Security: (425) 388-9998 (9998 from Campus Phones).
Special Circumstances
If the person in Mental Health Emergency or Crisis is calling by telephone:
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Attempt to get the person’s name, phone and location.
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Keep the person on the phone, while you get a co-worker’s attention and depending on the level of urgency, contact appropriate assistance.
Emailing
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Print email, include contact info.
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Depending on the level of urgency, contact appropriate help.
Call Counseling & Student Success (CSS) at 425-388-9263 (9263-Campus phones) if you have any general counseling questions or referrals.