Crisis Intervention

Psychological Emergencies

If you or a peer are experiencing a psychological emergency, please contact the Department of Public Safety at 203-254-4090. The officer will meet the student at their location and provide support while contacting a mental health counselor. 

Psychological emergencies include:

• Suicide attempt
• Suicidal thoughts or threats
• Homicidal thoughts or threats
• Sexual Assault
• Being a victim of violence
• Bizarre, psychotic, or otherwise concerning behavior (e.g., person is not making sense, doesn't seem connected to reality)
• Death in the family or of a close friend
• Hospitalization and in critical condition for drug or alcohol overdose
• Extreme emotionality or panic attack and unable to calm down after 30 minutes

Crisis Support

Counseling & Psychological Services (C&PS) offers twenty-four hour crisis support for those urgent needs that don't rise to the level of an emergency but require immediate mental health support. Students are always encouraged to call Public Safety (203-254-4090) if they are unsure of the level of urgency.

Details for accessing crisis support are as follows:

During Office Hours

Crisis support is offered in person, over the phone, or by telehealth (Zoom) during regular office hours.  To meet or speak with a mental health counselor when our offices are open:

• Call C&PS (203-254-4000, 2146) as early as possible to schedule a same-day appointment; or
• Walk in to the Wellness Center

Office hours are Monday-Friday, 8:30 am-4:30 pm, excluding holidays.

After Hours/Weekends

Students who are in need of crisis support when our office is closed can speak directly with an on-call mental health counselor. To speak with a counselor after hours:

• Call C&PS (203-254-4000, 2146) from a cell phone or off-campus landline
• Press 1 to be routed to a mental health counselor

Tips for Managing a Crisis

• Ask for help
• Avoid alcohol and drugs
• Don't make hasty decisions
• Don't isolate yourself
• Keep your regular meal and sleep times
• Be patient with yourself
• Talk to friends and family
• Remember to breathe deeply

Other Emergency Options (Off-campus)

The following is a list of off-campus emergency support options:

• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: Dial 988 (OR: 1-800-273-8255 (English) or 1-888-628-9454 (en Espanol))
• Center for Family Justice: A rape crisis center for immediate and long-term advocacy and support (24 hour hotline) 1-888-999-5545
• Bridgeport Hospital: Emergency Room 203-384-3566
• St. Vincent's Hospital: Emergency Room 203-576-6000

Other Non-Emergency Options (On-campus)

For help with sexual assault, dating and domestic violence and/or stalking, contact a confidential Campus Advocate at 203-333-2233. The Center for Family Justice 24/7 hotline will connect you with the Campus Advocate.

To file a report regarding sexual assault, sexual harassment, or gender-based violence, call the Office of Equity Compliance at 203-254-4357 (HELP) or call the Dean of Students office at 203-254-4000, ext 4211.