Need Help Now?
The term "crisis" can mean different things to folks - in general, a crisis is a time of intense difficulty, trouble, or danger. It's often a time when our traditional problem-solving approaches fail to bring us back to equilibrium, and we can encounter feelings of hopelessness, sadness, frustration, confusion, and even panic. Counseling Services staff is available for phone or walk-in crisis consultations during regular business hours. Phone consultation is available when the office is closed.
Quick Numbers
- After-hours crisis support available 24/7, including weekends and holidays:
(626) 395-8331 and press "2" when prompted, please stay on the line - Campus Security Emergency Line: (626) 395-5000 (on campus)
- Campus Security for non-emergencies including escorts, reports, or information: (626) 395-4701
- Off-Campus Emergencies: 911
Emergency Resources
IF THIS IS A LIFE-THREATENING EMERGENCY, CALL 911 OR GO TO YOUR NEAREST HOSPITAL EMERGENCY ROOM.
For emergency assistance:
- Campus Security Emergency Line: (626) 395-5000 (on campus)
- Off-Campus Emergencies: 911
If you are having thoughts about suicide:
- After-hours crisis support available 24/7, including weekends and holidays:
(626) 395-8331 and press "2" when prompted, please stay on the line - 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988
- Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 from anywhere in the US
If you are a Caltech student experiencing a mental health crisis:
- Call Counseling Services at (626) 395-8331 and ask to schedule a same-day crisis appointment during regular business hours.
- For after-hours and weekend response, call the Student Counseling Services main line (626) 395-8331 and press "2" to be connected to a clinician. You may experience a brief hold while your call is connected; please stay on the line.
Examples of crises include having thoughts of harming or killing yourself or someone else; dealing with a sexual assault; having someone close to you die recently; seeing or hearing things that other people cannot see or hear; or feeling overwhelmed and needing to talk with someone as soon as possible.
If you are concerned about a Caltech student or community member:
- For life-threatening emergencies, contact Campus Security at (626) 395-5000 or 911 if off-campus.
- For non-emergencies, contact Campus Security at (626) 395-4701
- For psychiatric emergencies, call Counseling Services at (626) 395-8331
- For general concerns about a Caltech student, submit a CARE Referral
Additional Resources
- Caltech Everbridge 360 App - Receive Caltech Alerts and access SOS and Safe Corridor features
- Psychiatric Hospitalization Guide (PDF)