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Psychological Crisis

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PSYCHOLOGICAL RESOURCES

If you have a concern about Faculty, Staff or Postdocs, contact the Staff and Faculty Consultation Center (SFCC) at 626 395 8360 or x8360.

If you have a concern about a student, or to assist a student in crisis, contact the Student Counseling Center at 626 395 8331 or x8331. Afterhours, press "2" to be connected to a clinician.

Do not prevent the person from leaving, and do not engage in any confrontation. Consider calling Security (x5000) if you suspect a medical crisis.

Visit www.caltechcares.caltech.edu to submit a CARE referral, and to learn more about how to help.

THREATENING BEHAVIOR

IF: A person is extremely irritable, unruly, or aggressive, or is voicing threats to people or property…

THEN: Remain calm. Verbally set limits for appropriate behavior. Give the person space, and take care to not have them feel cornered or "boxed in" – don't stand between them and their exit from a room. Call Security at x5000.

CONCERNING BUT NON-THREATENING BEHAVIOR

IF: A person is experiencing impaired or garbled speech, disjointed thoughts, bizarre or inappropriate speech or behavior suggesting impairment…

THEN: Gently guide the person to a quiet space away from others. Briefly check in to see if the person is feeling unwell. Do not contradict irrational beliefs. Let the person know you will need to call for some assistance. For all medical concerns, contact Security at x5000.

SUICIDAL THOUGHTS OR ACTIONS

IF: A person makes comments reflecting thoughts of suicide or has taken actions to take their life…

THEN: Call Security at x5000 to get them immediate medical assistance and help. If off campus, call 911.

WHAT TO AVOID

  • Threatening, daring, taunting, pushing, or touching the person
  • Arguing or challenging the rationality of the person's thinking
  • Dominating, pressuring or making demands of the perso