Evaluation and Management of Students with Psychological Emergencies

Kutztown University Policy STU-009

1. Purpose

   This policy defines the procedures used in the evaluation and management of psychological emergencies for enrolled students. 

2. Scope

   This policy/procedure defines the role of the office of Counseling and Psychological Services (CPS) in psychological emergencies during the fall and spring regular semesters. 

3. Keywords and phrases 
   

   Psychological emergency - A situation involving a student of Kutztown University in which there is the possibility of danger to self or others due to a mental disorder, or severely impaired functioning as a result of psychosis or an acute psychosocial stressor. 

4. Policy & Procedures

   1. During regular office hours, students with psychological emergencies will be evaluated in the office of Counseling and Psychological Services (CPS).  Students can be referred for evaluation by faculty, staff, and peers.  Involvement in counseling services is voluntary.  If there is evidence of harm to self or others, CPS staff may initiate the process for hospitalization.  The counselor will provide call-in consultation with hospital staff when warranted.

   2. After normal office hours, students experiencing psychological emergencies should be referred to the University Health Center for initial evaluation by nursing staff members.  

      1. Students assessed by the Health Center staff to need immediate counseling or emotional support will be referred to a community based mental health agency.  Health Center staff will make initial contact with the agency and the student will be afforded an opportunity for a phone consultation or on-site assessment by the community agency.  

      2. When the Health Center is closed, students who are assessed by University staff to be in need of counseling or support will Policy STU-009 Page 2 of 2 immediately call Public Safety and Police Services (PS&PS) for evaluation.  PS&PS will arrange transport to a hospital emergency room if indicated or immediately refer to a community based mental health agency for a phone consultation with the student or an on-site assessment by the community agency.

      3. Any student who is evaluated and/or admitted to the hospital for psychological reasons must have clearance from a qualified mental health professional before returning to campus.  The student is required to meet with the Dean of Students or designee on the first business day of the student’s return to campus and to submit documentation of medical care and follow-up recommendations.  The student may not return to the university until the meeting with the Dean or designee takes place.

5. Effective Date:

   September 8, 1995
   Revised 7/5/2007
   Revised 8/2018
   Revised 7/10/2019 

6. Last Review

   August, 2010
   August, 2012
   August, 2013
   August, 2014
   August, 2015
   August, 2016
   August, 2018
   July, 2019