Mental Health Emergency

EMERGENCIES - MENTAL HEALTH

OVERVIEW

This procedure addresses methods for dealing with students or employees who are exhibiting signs of mental health crisis (e.g. high suicide potential).

FORMS USED

None

CODES, REGULATIONS, AND DISTRICT POLICIES RELATED TO THIS PROCEDURE

California Education Code 76400 et seq.

PRIMARY STAKEHOLDERS

Counseling Center

Health Services

Disabled Students Programs and Services

Department of Public Safety

COMMENTS

This procedure identifies appropriate responses to persons experiencing a mental health crisis. College Counseling Center numbers are:

Grossmont: Ext 7208

Cuyamaca: Ext 4429

The Crisis Hotline (236-3339) can assist staff in determining appropriate direction for the client if no other mental health professionals are available on site.

STEP	TASK PERFORMED BY	DESCRIPTION
1	Faculty, Staff and Students	Notify the Counseling Center Contact the Counseling Center immediately in the event of any perceived mental health episode concerning a person on any GCCCD site: Counseling Center (Grossmont): ext 7208 Counseling (Cuyamaca): ext 4429 The Crisis Hotline (236-3339) can assist staff in determining appropriate direction for the client if no mental health professionals are available on site. Request immediate assistance from Public Safety if help is required in assuring the safety of the individual concerned or that of any other individual. Department of Public Safety Phone Numbers (open 24 hrs): Grossmont: Ext. 7654 Cuyamaca: Ext. 4456 "#1" from college speed dialing public phones If it can be determined that the individual in crisis is being served by DSPS staff, attempt to arrange evaluation with a DSPS counselor as follows: Grossmont: ext 7112 Cuyamaca: ext 4239 If the Counseling Center is not open, or if a counselor is not available, attempt to contact a responsible family member to accompany the client for professional evaluation by the client's therapist or in a hospital emergency department. Hospitals that are close to GCCCD include: Grossmont Hospital 644-4401 Charter API Hospital 465-4411 If no responsible party is available to transport the client, request El Cajon Police Department (ECPD) assistance at 579-3311 (Grossmont) or San Diego Sheriff assistance at 441-4100 (Cuyamaca). If assistance is requested from either ECPD or the San Diego Sheriff, notify: Department of Public Safety Student Affairs/Services President's or Night Administrator's Office Area Administrator Public Information

2	Counseling Center Supervisor	Evaluate Situation Evaluate the situation and determine the availability of a counselor. Accompany the client to the appropriate counseling office and introduce him/her to the counselor.

3	Counselor	Counsel or Refer If necessary, make a referral to an outside agency or service.

4	Department of Public Safety	Escort Police/Sheriff as Required Provide all required services to ensure the health and safety of all associated individuals.