Behavioral Health Unit
The University Police Department's Behavioral Health Unit includes the Psychiatric Crisis Assessment Support Team (P-CAST) and Homeless Outreach.
Psychiatric Crisis Assessment Support Team (P-CAST)
What is P-CAST?
The Psychiatric Crisis Assessment Support Team (P-CAST) provides support to members of the SDSU community who are experiencing a behavioral health crisis. We are a co-responder model, meaning trained mental health clinicians collaborate and respond with the University Police Department (UPD) to best support students and SDSU community members during a psychiatric crisis. P-CAST is dedicated to fostering a holistic and compassionate approach to mental health and safety, empowering students to thrive academically and personally.
What is a "psychiatric crisis?"
The terms "psychiatric crisis", "behavioral health crisis", and "mental health crisis" are often used interchangeably to describe "any situation a person's behavior puts them at risk of hurting themselves or others and/or prevents them from being able to care for themselves or function effectively in the community" (NAMI, 2018).
What services does P-CAST provide?
Our mental health clinicians begin by conducting an assessment to determine the best course of action. We collaborate with local hospitals and crisis stabilization units to coordinate care for students and community members who require hospitalization. P-CAST provides a continuum of care that extends beyond the crisis phase. Our clinicians will support students to get back on track academically by connecting students to resources and providing mental health treatment and follow-up services.
What kind of situations can P-CAST respond to?
We can respond to any psychiatric crisis that does not involve an imminent safety risk to self or others. Situations include:
- Grief
- Feeling hopeless or helpless
- Substance use or abuse
- Thoughts of suicide or self harm
- Homicidal ideation
- Psychosis & substance-induced psychosis
- Sudden death of a loved one
- Symptoms of grave disability (ex: not sleeping or eating for many days)
- Extreme energy or no energy
- Welfare checks
In addition to P-CAST services, the UPD has partnered with the County of San Diego’s Mobile Crisis Response Team (MCRT) to offer a multi-tiered approach to behavioral health crisis response. MCRT is a county-wide service that deploys behavioral health experts to emergency calls instead of law enforcement, when appropriate. MCRT is available 24/7, 365 days a year expanding UPD’s resources for crisis response.
How do I contact P-CAST?
Dial 911 to request support from P-CAST. For non-emergencies or faculty consults, e-mail [email protected]
For more information on behavioral health crises, visit National Alliance on Mental Illness
UPD Homeless Outreach Program
The UPD homeless outreach program aims to engage the homeless community on campus by providing street outreach to individuals who frequent our campus and connect them to county resources. Outreach efforts will be delivered with respect, empathy, and compassion with the hope of improving the quality of life for those willing to participate in our efforts.
- Students who need support can visit the campus Economic Crisis Response Team Webpage.
- Community members who need support can visit 2-1-1 San Diego.
