Emergency and Crisis

errorEmergencies

Always call 911 in a life-threatening emergency.

Physical health emergencies

Signs or symptoms of a physical health emergency may include:

  • Chest pain
  • Diabetic emergencies
  • Drug overdose
  • Loss of consciousness
  • Seizure
  • Serious broken bones (arm, leg)
  • Severe pain
  • Stiff neck associated with fever of 100 degrees or more
  • You are having a negative reaction to drugs or alcohol
  • Your friend is unresponsive or unable to answer basic questions
  • Persistent severe symptoms
  • Sudden inability to see, move, speak

For medical advice, call 573-882-7481 to talk with a nurse.

Mental health crises

Signs of a mental health crisis may include, among others:

  • You are having thoughts of harming yourself and may act on them
  • You are having thoughts of doing serious harm to others and may act on them
  • You are seeing or hearing things that no one else sees or hears
  • You have recently been physically or sexually assaulted
  • Your alcohol or drug use or eating/not eating is out of control
  • You have recently experienced bias, oppression, xenophobia, identity-based discrimination or racial trauma

Call 573-882-6601 at any time for crisis support for any reason.


After Hours

If you have an urgent need, we encourage you to call the 24/7 nurse line (573-882-7481) for advice about how to care for an illness or injury at home or to receive guidance about whether and how soon you should see a health care provider.

The MU Health Care symptom checker is an excellent resource for helping you determine the best level of care for your condition.

For an urgent, non-life-threatening situation, check your insurance plan to find out which urgent care or quick care facility will be covered.

  • The Mizzou Urgent Care is located at 3916 S. Providence Road
  • Mizzou Quick Care clinics are located in the three Columbia Hy-Vee stores
  • Other independently operated urgent care facilities are in Columbia

Mental Health Crisis and Urgent Concerns

The Counseling Center offers consultation to anyone who is concerned about an MU student.

If you find that your usual ways of coping are not working or that you are unable to cope alone, the Counseling Center offers crisis support.

Call 573-882-6601 at any time or come to our office at Strickland Hall, 4th floor, during normal business hours for crisis support for any reason, including if you:

  • Are having thoughts of suicide or doing serious harm to yourself
  • Are having thoughts of doing serious harm to someone else
  • Believe your life is in danger
  • Are hearing voices or seeing things that no one else sees or hears
  • Have just been discharged from a psychiatric hospital
  • Have recently been physically or sexually assaulted
  • Have experienced a significant trauma or overwhelming loss, such as the death of a family member
  • Must make a major life decision (e.g., leave school) within days
  • Are so depressed or anxious you cannot attend classes
  • Believe your alcohol/drug use or eating/not eating is out of control
  • Have recently experienced bias, oppression, xenophobia, identity-based discrimination or racial trauma

Emergency Department, Emergency Room (ER)

Emergency departments see anyone of any age for emergencies. Emergency departments are always open. They may have longer wait times and cost more than other care options, but this is where to go in emergencies.

University Hospital’s Emergency Department’s number is 573-882-8091.


Police

The University of Missouri Police Department, Columbia Police Department, and Boone County Sheriff’s Department have officers who are specially trained to respond to situations involving individuals who are experiencing a mental or emotional crisis.

If you become concerned about an individual and are unable to make direct contact with them, or they are in immediate risk of harm to themselves or others, CIT officers are available to assist.

You can contact MUPD at 573-882-7201 on-campus, or Joint Communications at 311 for off-campus to request a CIT officer for assistance. Officers will make contact with the individual and conduct a brief assessment regarding their safety and provide any necessary resources.