A mental health crisis, defined by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), is “any situation in which 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.org). Though these situations can be painful and terrifying for those experiencing them, urgent help is available from many resources, both on and off-campus.
If you or a friend is experiencing a mental health crisis, please know that you are not alone. Many other students have faced crisis situations during their time at Vassar.
On-Campus Resources
Metcalf (Counseling Services)
Open on weekdays during the academic year from 8:30am-5:00pm. Same-day appointments are available in urgent situations.
The Counselor-on-call
Available 24/7 by calling the Campus Response Center (CRC) at (845) 437-7333. Vassar uses ProtoCall, a national service staffed around the clock by mental health professionals.
To find out more about on-campus crisis response, click here.
Off-Campus Resources
The Dutchess County Helpline
Reach by calling or texting (845) 485-9700. Through this number, you can speak to a counselor via phone or text. Additionally, HELPLINE has a free app available for Apple and Android.
The Dutchess County Stabilization Center
Located at 230 North Road, provides crisis response services regardless of ability to pay. More information can be found here. Mid-Hudson Regional Hospital is the nearest hospital with a full psychiatric department.
Nation-Wide Services
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline – 1-800-273-8255
Crisis Text Line – Reach by texting “HOME” to 741741.
Further Information
NAMI – “Navigating a Mental Health Crisis”
ULifeline – “Suicidal Behavior”