Daytime crisis and emergencies are handled by the Director of Counseling Services.  

A mental health emergency is an emotional or behavioral crisis that warrants same-day attention by a mental health professional. This may include, but is not limited to, significant changes in behavior that are not characteristic of a person, the presence of disruptive symptoms that interfere with the responsibilities of daily living, direct or indirect expressions of the intent to harm self or others, or the experience of a trauma.

Cumberland University, including Counseling Center staff, does not transport students or employees in crisis situations.  In cases that require transporting to the hospital, a family member, friend, the Lebanon Police Department, or an ambulance is called depending on the particular situation.

To ensure the highest level of Counseling Center staff member safety, counselors do not see clients who are in crisis in the Counseling Center after hours when there are no Cumberland University employees available to provide assistance.  In most cases, if immediate onsite assistance is needed, the Center director will recommend that Wilson County Mobile Crisis be contacted to conduct a crisis evaluation.  

     Counseling Center staff members do not see students in his/her residence hall room even if  there is a crisis.  If a student living in the residence halls needs urgent assistance after hours, either a professional member of the Residential Life staff and/or Campus Security will walk the student in question to the Counseling Center office.  If the student refuses to go to the Counseling Center and there is reason to believe that the student is actively suicidal or homicidal, either the Lebanon Police department or an ambulance will be called to respond to the scene to transport the student to the hospital.  

When a student who lives off campus needs urgent assistance after hours, the Director will recommend that Wilson County Mobile Crisis be contacted to conduct a crisis evaluation with the client at his/her residence.

Counseling Center staff members do not intervene with students who are intoxicated or under the influence of drugs.  A counselor can have little impact on students who are “high.”  Some such individuals may need medical attention or to be kept safe in a hospital or other secure environment, but a psychological intervention would serve little purpose.  Intervention will be offered when the student is sober or no longer under the influence of drugs, when such services may be of some benefit to the student.

In the unlikely event that a client should become volatile in a counselor’s office, Campus Security and/or 911 will be contacted immediately for assistance.  Specific guidelines for handling such situations are outlined in Appendix T.  

Unless clinically contraindicated, parents, next of kin, or the person identified as “emergency contact” by a client on his/her paperwork may be called if any life-threatening attempt is made or if the counselor evaluates a student to be at immediate and substantial risk of serious harm to him/herself.  All clinical staff members should seek consultation and inform the Director about all such notifications.  It may also be necessary to inform other agencies on campus and/or administrative personnel.  

The counselor will complete the Risk Assessment Summary – Self (Appendix M) when information obtained on the Self-Report Form or during the clinical interview indicates potential risk.  In cases where a student has reported a level 3 or above on suicidal ideation on the Self-Report Form or when speaking with the clinician, a Risk Assessment Summary should be completed unless information obtained during interview clearly indicates minimal risk.  Rationale for not completing the Risk Assessment Summary in such cases is to be documented.

If a student has evidenced suicidal ideation or behavior and refuses service either at the Center or an outside resource and the student does not meet the legal standard for involuntary treatment, the counselor will document that a risk assessment summary was completed and what services were recommended, offered and refused by the student.  The counselor will then contact parents or next of kin unless clinically contraindicated.

The clinician will complete a Risk Assessment Summary – Other (Appendix V) when a student has evidenced homicidal ideation or potential threat to physically harm another.  The clinician will consult with the Director and respond as required by law.  It may also be necessary to inform other agencies on campus and/or the Dean of Students or other administrative personnel.  

Educating clients about the potential limitations of confidentiality in regards to reports of sexual assault incidents is crucial in the cases of alleged sexual assault; counselors’ reporting responsibilities and those of other university offices may differ dramatically.  The university’s Sexual Assault Policy is found in Appendix O.  This form should be provided to the rape/assault victim.

A written copy of information to assist students in determining actions to take following a sexual assault or rape is available through the Counseling Center (“What Should You Do After A Sexual Assault or Rape?” Appendix P).  If a counselor has been called to respond to a sexual assault emergency, the form will be given to the student in addition to a verbal explanation.