A "psychological emergency" occurs when a student or employee is observed exhibiting unusual or dangerous behavior which could result in serious bodily harm to self or to others. In such cases, the Counseling Center provides a walk-in service (without appointment) for students who require immediate assistance. 

In order to facilitate treatment for psychological emergencies, the Counseling Center has established and maintained an active referral and emergency evaluation network in the Greater Boston area. In addition, the Counseling Center has weekly access to an onsite consulting psychiatrist for purposes of psychological evaluations and medication assessments. 

During office hours, the Counseling Center staff member on emergency call will take responsibility for determining whether the individual in crisis should be seen at the Counseling Center or should be referred for hospitalization or for a psychiatric evaluation off-campus. In each instance, the Counseling Center will assume responsibility for evaluating the student or employee, will oversee the referral to a designated treatment facility, and will assure continuity of care once the crisis has past.

During evening hours and on weekends, the Counseling Center will provide consultative services to members of the University Police and to the staff of the Residence Halls in order to assure that students and other members of the University community who are at risk to self or to others are referred for appropriate mental health treatment. 

Once the safety of a student or employee with a psychological emergency has been assured, members of the staff of the Counseling Center will be available to provide required after-care services. Follow-up consultations with family members, classmates, and faculty/administrators will also be provided. At the invitation of faculty or at the recommendation of University administrators, members of the Counseling Center staff will also be available to speak to classes or departments on issues related to crisis management and crisis resolution. 

If students or employees experience a crisis during evening hours or on weekends, they should contact the nearest hospital emergency room or call either the University Police (617.573.8111 for emergencies) or City Police (911) for assistance. Tufts-New England Medical Center (NEMC) at 136 Harrison Avenue in Boston (617.636.7000) is the designated emergency medical center for Suffolk University students living in the residence halls. 

(revised 5/1/06)