Protocol for Mental Health Concerns

Mental Health Emergency

A mental health emergency is a life-threatening situation in which an individual is imminently threatening harm to self or others, is severely disoriented or out of touch with reality, has a severe inability to function, or is otherwise distraught and out of control.

Examples of an emergency could include:

  • Acting on a suicide threat
  • Homicidal or threatening behavior
  • Self-injury needing immediate medical attention
  • Severe impairment by drugs or alcohol
  • Highly erratic or unusual behavior that indicates very unpredictable behavior

What to do

  • If you determine that the situation is an emergency CALL 911 IMMEDIATELY

 

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, is disoriented or out of touch with reality, has a compromised ability to function, or is otherwise agitated and unable to be calmed.If the situation is not an emergency but you do notice any of the following:

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

What to do

  • Call the campus Counseling Center: Anita Mashburn (Director) (910) 695-3968
    Hours:  M-Th 8-12 and 1-5, Fri 8-12, Rosa McAllister-McRae (Counselor) (910) 246-4944
  • In the event that neither of the counselors is available you may contact:
    • The switchboard staff person on duty who will contact someone trained in MHFA to assist you (Pinehurst: 910-692-6185; Hoke Center: 910-875-8559.
    • Your supervisor/department chair
    • Campus police/security 910-690-2762

Always

  • Stay with the individual in crisis until help arrives.
  • Always put safety first and err on the side of caution.

*Adapted from the Everett Community College Website
** Subject to change as campus MHFA training proceeds