Mental Health Crises
A mental health crisis is any situation involving individuals at risk for harm to themselves or others.
A person in extreme distress may be unable to manage themselves or respond appropriately to you, although you have a prior relationship. Get help immediately.
Quick Response: Call University Police at (914) 251-6911. If violence is directed toward yourself, students, or others, evacuate everyone from the area immediately.
A mental health crisis may include:
- Suicidal behavior, threats, gestures in progress
- An individual threatening harm to others
- A person destroying property
- A person who is not verbally responsive
- A psychotic break (out of touch with reality, bizarre
- behaviors and/or speech, thoughts)
- An unusual or prolonged reaction to a traumatic event(s)
Eliminate opportunities for violence:
- Involve a second person to help
- Know your escape routes
- Do not touch or approach a violent person
- Place a barrier between yourself and the aggressor
- Use effective people/communication skills
- Use nonthreatening eye contacts
- If possible, maintain a calm and respectful conversation until help arrives
- Avoid the potential for violence: inform your supervisor or University Police if individuals appear threatening or dangerous.
- Always remove yourself and all others from the presence of a weapon.
Sexual Assault Emergency Response
For confidential help with safety, medical, psychological, advocacy or other personal services, contact:
- Counseling Center:
(914) 251-6390, COU.counseling.center@purchase.edu - Health Services:
(914) 251-6380, HSE@purchase.edu - Wellness Center:
(914) 251-6665, wellness@purchase.edu - To report the event for campus investigation or potential campus conduct charges (non-confidential):
Title IX Coordinator, (914) 251-5982 - To obtain a No Contact Order, contact:
melissa-a.glazer@purchase.edu, Conduct Office, (914) 251-6033
No explanation of the event is required to obtain a No Contact Order. - To report the event for criminal investigation and potential charges (non-confidential):
University Police, (914) 251-6911.
Other Resources
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The Counseling Center provides counseling services to students, and consultation, debriefing, and referral to the campus community.
(914) 251-6390 -
The Employee Assistance Program provides services to faculty and staff: consultation, assessment and referrals for counseling, arrangements for crisis intervention and debriefing services.
(914) 251-6098