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 experiencing a psychiatric crisis. We are a co-responder model,
meaning trained mental health clinicians collaborate and respond with the University
Police Department (UPD) in order 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 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 help them 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. Possible situations include:
- Suicidal ideation
- Homicidal ideation
- Psychosis & substance-induced psychosis
- Sudden death of a loved one
- Symptoms of grave disability
- Welfare checks
* P-CAST can not respond to: any situation involving a weapon/violence, domestic violence, medical emergencies, individuals who are unhoused but are not experiencing a psychiatric crisis.
In addition to P-CAST services, 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.Additional Resources
Contact P-CAST
Email [email protected] (for non-emergencies)
Faculty Support Office Hours
Tuesdays, 2-4pm
Thursdays, 9-11am
Faculty may email [email protected] to schedule a time to consult with a P-CAST clinician about challenging or concerning student behaviors.
