Staff and Faculty

Student Wellness Services are available to enrolled students only and we are unable to provide physical or mental health services to staff and faculty. However, there are other resources available at Caltech:

Staff and Faculty Consultation Center

The Caltech Staff and Faculty Consultation Center (SFCC) is a workplace resource that provides consultation to faculty on interpersonal matters at work and elsewhere, including how to navigate sensitive topics with students of concern. Licensed SFCC counselors have substantial knowledge about the Caltech environment, and can support faculty members throughout the process of identifying and referring a student to services. Please contact [email protected], or call (626) 395-8360. Additional information is found at their website: https://sfcc.caltech.edu/.

Caltech Connect - Suicide Prevention Training

Caltech Connect training is a 2-hour interactive experience designed to give participants practical skills for having supportive conversations and making referrals to resources for those in crisis. Caltech Connect training is based on the Campus Connect program developed by Syracuse University. While a substantial portion of the training is dedicated to suicide prevention and statistics related to the mental health of college students, the skills presented are applicable to a wide range of concerns.

Facilitators work with participants to enable role-play within a safe and contained environment. Caltech Connect is highly interactive, as participants engage in multiple exercises throughout the training to increase both their skills and awareness concerning the emotional intensity of responding to suicidal college students. The training culminates with a role play, in which participants are given the opportunity to practice the skills they are taught during the course of the training.

View the training schedule and signup information.

Outreach Request

Student Wellness Services offers trainings and workshops on a variety of topics related to health, emotional well-being, suicide prevention, time management, and more. We'd be happy to collaborate on a program for your group or department! Please call (626) 395-8331 to get in touch with our office.

Student Wellness Services are available to all eligible enrolled Caltech students and are NOT dependent on enrollment in any insurance plan. Seeing a clinician is FREE, so please encourage your students to utilize these resources.

Health Services

Students should consider Student Health Services their first stop for navigating their health needs including primary care, urgent visits for illnesses or injuries, and referrals to specialty care, imaging services, or specialty testing. Students can schedule an appointment through the Student Health Portal or by calling (626) 395-8331.

Counseling Services

Counseling Services staff regularly consults with faculty and staff about students of concern. If you'd like to get advice about how to support a student, please call us at (626) 395-8331 and ask for a consultation.

Counseling Services collaborates with the CARE Team to connect students to appropriate resources; we encourage you to make a referral directly to the Team by emailing the CARE team or submitting a CARE referral.

The Caltech Orange Folder serves as a practical guide to help you recognize signs of distress, respond with attentiveness and empathy, refer students to appropriate campus resources, and build confidence in your ability to offer support.

Students can schedule an appointment by sending a message to the Counseling Center Front Desk through the Student Health Portal or by calling (626) 395-8331.

Occupational Therapy Services

Occupational Therapy Services teaches students skills and strategies to improve their routines and habits.

Popular topics include:

• Time management and productivity
• Planning and organization
• Procrastination
• Getting better sleep
• Low motivation

Occupational therapy focuses on:

• Implementing practical strategies
• Finding routines that work for you
• Feeling capable about what you do

Students can schedule an appointment through the Student Health Portal or by calling (626) 395-8331.

Workshops and Groups

Student Wellness Services hosts a variety of workshops and groups every term - these are great resources to direct students to.

Download a copy of Tips for Responding to Student Health Concerns in Real Time.

Emergency Response

Caltech's Emergency Preparedness Booklet provides campus protocols, resources, and key contacts. Community members are encouraged to review and keep it accessible. More details here: https://emergencypreparedness.caltech.edu/Procedures

Additional Institute guidance related to research emergencies and unusual events is outlined in IRB SOP 11.1.02 Responding to Medical Emergencies or Unusual Events which is available at: https://researchcompliance.caltech.edu/documents/26965/IRB_SOP_Responding_to_Medical_Emergencies_or_Unusual_Events_8.2025_FINAL.pdf

Student Support

Student Affairs guidance for urgent, time-sensitive support is available in the Orange Folder, which can be accessed and downloaded here: https://studentaffairs.caltech.edu/orangefolder

Student Medical Concerns

If you believe someone needs emergency medical attention, Caltech's Emergency Protocols start with an immediate activation of Campus Security by calling 626-395-5000 (x5000).

Caltech Security is available 24/7. They will assess the situation, transport students on or off campus, coordinate with emergency medical services, and arrange for help. If you believe an ambulance is needed, tell Campus Security. Describe what you are observing. They can make the call or confirm one is already enroute and help direct them to your location.

• Assign Roles and Responsibilities.
  • You do not need to manage this alone. Students, staff, and other faculty can assist — within their comfort level and training.
  • Do not leave the person alone until help arrives.
  • Consider designating someone to:
    • Move furniture or clear a safe space around the person
    • Stand posted at the door, elevator, or building entrance to direct emergency responders
    • Keep other students calm and away from the situation
• Ask those in the classroom and nearby:
  • "Is anyone here CPR (Cardiopulmonary resuscitation)-certified, a health aide, or an EMT?"
  • "Can someone bring in the Automated External Defibrillator (AED) and Stop the Bleed first aid kit (typically located with the AED)?"
  • Health advocates, trained students, or any individual with emergency training can help.

Tips for Specific Situations

Ongoing Loss of Consciousness -including fainting, not responding, suspected overdose

• Gently help the person to the ground if they are falling or unsteady
• Check if they are breathing
• Do not give food, drink, or anything by mouth
• Loosen tight clothing around the neck or chest
• Stay with them and keep watching closely
• If they are not breathing and you are trained, begin CPR and ask for help from someone who is CPR-trained
• Locate the AED and continue CPR until Campus Security or emergency responders arrive
• If you suspect an opioid overdose, let emergency responders know right away so naloxone (Narcan) can be used

Severe or Escalating Pain / Traumatic Injury

• Do not move the person if head, neck, or spinal injury is suspected
• Keep the area calm and clear of bystanders
• Help them remain as still and comfortable as possible
• Stay with them and reassure them until help arrives

Breathing Difficulty

• Watch for signs like trouble breathing, wheezing, gasping, or bluish lips or fingertips
• Stay calm and speak reassuringly
• Help them sit upright if possible (leaning slightly forward may help)
• Help them use their inhaler or EpiPen if they have one

Significant Blood Loss

• Apply firm, steady pressure using a clean cloth, towel, or clothing
• Keep pressure on the wound—try not to lift it repeatedly
• If bleeding is heavy from an arm or leg, keep applying pressure and call emergency services right away
• Do not try to remove anything that is stuck in a wound

Seizures

• Stay calm and note the time if possible
• Gently guide them to the floor if they are standing
• Move objects away so they cannot get hurt
• Place something soft under their head if available
• Do not hold them down or put anything in their mouth
• After the seizure stops, gently roll them onto their side
• Stay with them until they are awake and seem more oriented