Management of College Student Mental Health Emergencies

We review the published literature on common presentations, unique challenges, existing models of care, and best practices regarding college student psychiatric emergencies.

College students who are in psychiatric crisis experience a range of responses and support. The diversity of institutions of higher education (IHEs), geography, resources, and the demographics of college students themselves means that no two psychiatric emergency responses are alike. Population health approaches to these crises are generally lacking even though the literature is clear that some students have unique and elevated risk. New models of care have emerged at some IHEs but have not yet been sufficiently evaluated. There are diverse responses and models of care for college student psychiatric emergencies. Recent guidelines reflect novel approaches to care and support.