Students who have urgent needs to receive counseling services will be seen as soon as possible during our business hours. Our urgent care service is available daily (Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:45 PM). You can come directly to 219 North Hall and let Reception know that you have an urgent need. If possible, a call to CAPS (752-0871) prior to arrival will help us prepare to assist you.

Responding to Individuals Expressing Clear and Imminent Danger to Self

Examples

• An individual with a knife threatening to kill herself
• An individual sends an e-mail stating an intention to kill himself with a clear plan

Intervention

• Call the police - 911
• If you are a student living in residence halls, contact your RA
• Contact CAPS - (530) 752-0871 then 0 - to consult about a plan to respond

DO...

stay calm, acknowledge feelings, take statements seriously, be direct, be available, encourage discussion, contact CAPS or police

DO NOT...

minimize, over commit, ignore the individual, try to solve the problem, be afraid of the individual

Responding to Individuals Expressing an Ambiguous Danger

Examples

• An individual sends an e-mail indicating life isn't worth living
• An individual confides she has fantasies about killing herself
• An individual describes suicidal thoughts in a class assignment

Intervention

• Contact CAPS - (530) 752-0871 then 0

CAPS Will...

• Help you discuss concerns with the individual
• Refer you to appropriate resources
• Contact police for a welfare check
• Contact the individual

• If you are a student living in residence halls, contact your RA

Between 5pm and 8am...

• Call police - 911
• If you are a student living in Residence Halls, contact your RA
• Wait until 8am to call CAPS

More Information about Responding to Individuals in Danger

For further information consult:

Responding to Distressed and Distressing Students: An Information Booklet: Adobe (PDF)