Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS)
When should I call the MCR Team to respond?
If you believe that a member of the CSUN Community (student, employee, or campus visitor) is experiencing a mental health emergency and needs immediate assistance and/or are unable to access assistance on their own, please call (818) 677- 2111 or dial 911 for the MCR Team to be activated.
Here are just a few examples of situations that would warrant a response from the MCR Team:
- An individual is experiencing suicidal thoughts, expressing a desire to end their life, and they are not willing to call or go to University Counseling Services for drop-in crisis/urgent care services.
- An individual is observed to be experiencing severe distress, anxiety, or panic attack, and are unable to calm themselves down.
- An individual walking around campus appears disoriented and out of touch with reality, perhaps even seeing or hearing things that others do not see or hear.
In addition, the MCR Team also engages in Mental Health Wellness Checks via phone or in-person check-in’s with individuals in response to a specific mental health concern to ensure safety and well-being (e.g., parent contacts the university to report they haven’t been able to make contact with their child who has been depressed and they are concerned about their safety and well-being; student reports that their roommate has not left their room or attended classes in days and has made concerning statements, etc.).
What types of situations does the MCR Team NOT respond to?
The MCR Team does not respond to any situations involving violence, a weapon, or domestic violence; medical emergencies; substance abuse emergencies; classroom management issues or conduct/disciplinary issues.
What if the MCR Team arrives and the individual does not want to engage or asks the Team to leave?
The MCR Team services are consensual. Individuals are not required to speak to or receive support from the MCR Team if they do not wish to. If there is an imminent safety concern, law enforcement or Emergency Medical Services (EMS) may respond.
Is there a cost for using MCR Team services?
No, there is no cost for services provided by the MCR Team.
Can the MCR Team assist with transportation to a psychiatric urgent care center or hospital?
During hours of operation, the MCR Team can provide transportation to a psychiatric urgent care or hospital in an unmarked van.
Why does the MCR Team include a law enforcement professional?
The law enforcement professional is non-uniformed and specially trained for mental health crises and is included to ensure the safety of everyone involved during an emergency, including the individual in crisis, MCR Team members, and bystanders.
What happens after the MCR Team has responded to a crisis?
After the initial response, the mental health professional on the MCR Team will provide follow-up support and case management, including assistance with accessing referrals to on-campus or community resources, counseling services, and/or other appropriate follow-up care.
How can I provide feedback about the MCR Team services?
Feedback is very important to the MCR Team and helps us improve our services. Surveys will be provided to individuals with whom the MCR Team responds to; feedback can also be provided directly to the Director of University Counseling Services (UCS), Dr. Julie Pearce, and/or the Department of Police Services (DPS), Chief of Police, Alfredo Fernandez.
Where can I find more information about mental health resources at CSUN?
University Counseling Services (UCS) is a mental health center for students enrolled at California State University, Northridge (CSUN) and provides a wide range of mental health services, including counseling/therapy and psychiatry services.
- Contact: (818) 677-2366 (Option 1).
- Office hours: Monday through Friday, 8 am – 5 pm
- Location: Bayramian Hall, 5th Floor, Room 520.
- Drop-in crisis/urgent care services are available (in-person or by phone) Monday through Friday, 8 am – 5 pm
- After hours crisis/urgent care services are available by calling (818) 677-2366 (Option 3).
- UCS’ website contains a wealth of information about mental health services/resources available to students.
The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) provides confidential services at no cost for CSUN faculty and staff.
How can I learn more about mental health and crisis prevention?
University Counseling Services (UCS) provides a wide range of outreach workshops and training sessions, as well as educational materials on mental health and crisis prevention:
- Crisis/Urgent Care
- Self-Help Library
- Resources
- Videos, Blogs & Presentations
- Outreach Presentations
- Peer Education
What if I have another question that is not listed here?
If you have a question that is not answered in this FAQ or if you have additional questions about our services, please email campusresponse@csun.edu. If you or someone you know on campus requires emergency mental health assistance, please dial 911 from anywhere on campus or CSUN DPS dispatch at (818) 677-2111.