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:

  • Acting on a suicide threat
  • Homicidal or threatening behavior
  • Self-injury needing immediate medical attention
  • Severely impaired by drugs or alcohol
  • 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:

  • Talking about suicide threats
  • Talking about threatening behavior
  • Self-injury, but not needing immediate medical attention
  • Alcohol or substance abuse
  • Highly erratic or unusual behavior
  • Eating disorders
  • Not taking their prescribed psychiatric medications
  • Emotionally distraught, very depressed, angry or anxious

Suggestions for What to Do in Case of a Mental Health Crisis

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. If possible, remain with the person until help arrives.

After Hours and Weekends

  1. Call Care Crisis Line: (425) 258-4357 or 1-800-584-3578
  2. 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:

  1. Attempt to get the person’s name, phone and location.
  2. 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

  1. Print email, include contact info.
  2. 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.