Crisis Assistance

Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS) operates on an appointment basis; however, we recognize that students may experience a crisis situation that warrants urgent attention. If you are experiencing emotional or psychological distress and are unsure if your distress warrants immediate crisis counseling, please reference the examples below. Whether CAPS is open or closed, help is available to you 24 hours a day. Staff, faculty, friends and family can call for consultation or assistance regarding a student in distress. For faculty and staff who wish to identify and intervene with students who are in distress, please see our Responding to Distressed Students page for information. Family and friends can serve as critical resources to students in distress. If you are concerned about a friend or family member, please read our Family and Friends page for tips and information on resources.

Examples of immediate crisis situations:
  • You are having thoughts of physically harming yourself or someone else
  • You are having odd and disturbing experiences such as hearing voices or seeing things that others do not see or hear
  • You experienced a physical or sexual assault within the last few days
  • You or someone you care about is being physically hurt or abused, or someone is threatening to do so
  • You are having difficulties coping with the death of someone who died recently
  • In the last few days you have become unable to provide for your own food, clothing or shelter

When CAPS is Open

During normal business hours, (Monday through Friday between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.) students who are in an immediate crisis situation (see above) may phone CAPS at (831) 459-2628 and indicate the reason you need a same day crisis appointment. If it is not a true crisis you will be offered our next brief phone assessment, which is typically the same day or the next business day. Also, students may walk-in to the CAPS office located at the Student Health Center in the East Wing on the 2nd floor, where you will be asked to complete a brief assessment and a determination will be made if a crisis appointment is indicated.

If you are not in an immediate crisis situation but would like to initiate services as soon as possible, please call (831) 459-2628 and inform our office staff that you would like to schedule an initial phone appointment. The initial phone appointment will help us to clarify your needs and direct you to the services and/or referrals that appear most appropriate in addressing your concerns. While you are in process of receiving your appointment, please see our handout Self-Care “While You Wait”: Tips and Resources. For information on our services provided, please see our Counseling Services page for information.

When CAPS is Closed

After business hours, during weekends and on holidays, telephone crisis assessment, safety planning, and referrals for UCSC students is available by calling (831) 459-2628 and selecting option “3.” This service can provide immediate consultation and support by phone regarding a variety of crisis issues and can facilitate the transition to CAPS daytime services.

Emergency Contacts

The following resources are also available on holidays, weekend and after office hours:

Privacy Policy and Terms of Use