Emergency / Crisis Intervention Services

Bottom Line Up Front

There is hope. Whether you want to help yourself or someone else, you don't have to do it alone. Call MDC now at 410-293-4897 for yourself or another midshipmen for immediate crisis support. 

Crisis Support at MDC

A mental health crisis means you're going through intense emotional distress or behavioral changes that might impact your safety or ability to function. If this sounds like you, or you're worried about another midshipman, please reach out immediately—we're here to help you figure out what to do next.

For Midshipmen Needing Immediate Support:

• Call us at 410-293-4897.
• Visit MDC during business hours (Monday to Friday, 0745 - 1530).

For Midshipmen Supporters (Friends, Teammates, Faculty, Coach, Staff, etc.):

• Call us at 410-293-4897.
• Escort the midshipman to the MDC during business hours (Monday to Friday, 0745 - 1530).
• You can make a difference if you suspect someone may be considering suicide. Studies show that talking about suicide does not increase the risk of someone dying by suicide. Suicide can be prevented. Remember ACT: Ask - Care - Treat
  • ASK if someone is depressed and is thinking about suicide.
  • Let them know you CARE.
  • Connect them with assistance (TREATment) as soon as possible.

For Non-Crisis Support:

If it's not an immediate crisis, supporters can review information on Supporting Midshipmen in Distress for ways to offer a helping hand. Midshipmen are also encouraged to explore Self-Help Tools to build their own resilience.

Outside Business Hours:

For immediate support outside of business hours, please call the Duty Chaplains at (443) 223-7870.

When to Use MDC for Crisis Support

Please connect with us immediately (at 410-293-4897) if you or someone you know are experiencing any of the following:

• You are having serious thoughts about harming yourself or ending your life, or you're unsure how to stay safe.
• You are having serious thoughts about harming or killing someone else.
• You have recently attempted suicide.
• You are having unusual or strange experiences, such as hearing voices, or smelling/seeing things that others don't (like hallucinations or other severe changes in perception).
• You have been threatened, sexually or physically assaulted, or experienced other forms of violence in the past few weeks.
• You've been unable to sleep at all for three days in a row.
• You are experiencing severe disorientation, significant memory problems, or extreme confusion.

Remember, you don't have to face these challenges alone. We are here to help you.

What to Expect During a Crisis Visit

During a crisis visit, your mental health provider's main goal is to help you feel calmer and safer. They'll talk with you to understand your current feelings, check on your safety, and figure out what support you need right away.

Depending on your situation, they'll help you create a plan to stay safe and suggest steps for your care plan, which might include self-care tips, coping strategies, and recommended follow-up. If your needs are beyond what MDC can offer, your provider will help you transition safely and smoothly to the Brigade Medical Unit Behavioral Health (BMU BH).

What Happens After a Crisis Visit?

After your crisis visit, there are many ways to continue getting support. Your safety is the most important thing to us. Based on what you need, your mental health provider might recommend following up at MDC to establish care, obtaining services utilizing the battalion chaplain office, or referral for additional services through BMU BH.

Direct Referral to Brigade Medical Unit (BMU), only when:

• A crisis occurs outside MDC's regular business hours.
• An MDC provider cannot be reached.
• Suicidal or other self-injurious behavior is suspected or confirmed.
• Other safety concerns indicate immediate medical attention is required.

In these situations, without first being screened at MDC, contact the Brigade Medical Unit (BMU) to directly refer the midshipmen. In the meantime, transport or escort the midshipmen to the Brigade Medical Unit (BMU) in the 6th Wing. This will activate the emergency response system. The Duty Healthcare Provider (DHP) will then contact the Mental Health Watch Officer, and MDC will be notified afterward.

What if I need to talk to a mental health clinician urgently but don’t fit one of the crisis support categories? 

If you need help quickly but it’s not a crisis, you have several options. You can call us at 410-293-4897 or walk in for a triage at MDC during business hours (Monday to Friday, 7:45 AM to 3:30 PM) and we’ll help you set up an appointment for an Intake session.  We strive to schedule midshipmen as soon as possible. Learn more about Making an Appointment here. 

Additional Crisis Support Services/Resources

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

Call, Text, or Chat at 988

Crisis Text LINE

https://www.crisistextline.org/

Chat online or text HOME to 741741

Suicide Prevention Resource Center

https://sprc.org/

Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Office (SAPRO)

https://www.usna.edu/SAPRO/

Walter Reed National Military Medical Center

301-366-2968 or 301-295-4810

Location: 8901 Rockville Pike
Bethesda, Maryland 20889

** Emergency room is located at Arrowhead zone, building 9A Floor 1

https://walterreed.tricare.mil/ER

Alexander T. Augusta Military Medical Center

Inpatient Behavioral Health 

571-231-4651

Oaks Pavilion, Floor 4, Main Reception

9300 DeWitt Loop
Fort Belvoir, VA 22060

https://belvoirhospital.tricare.mil/Health-Services/Urgent-Emergency-Care

Anne Arundel County: Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center

Hospital Pavilion South

2001 Medical Parkway, Annapolis, MD 21401 (Park in Garage A)

Inpatient Psychiatric Care 667-204-7300

https://www.luminishealth.org/en/services/emergency-services

Sheppard Pratt Psychiatric Urgent Care  

7220 Discovery Drive, Elkridge Maryland 21075

Phone # 410-938-5302

Care Navigators at 410-938-5000 for help finding mental health resources. Care Navigators are available Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

https://www.sheppardpratt.org/care-finder/psychiatric-urgent-care/