Mental health co-responder available to respond on main campus

A mental health co-responder is now available to respond alongside Clemson University Police Department (CUPD) officers to specific calls that indicate behavioral or mental health crisis support is needed.

The department received a $549,991 grant in 2023 to implement an evidence-based co-responder model to identify and reduce risk of harm to individuals with mental health disorders. The grant, in partnership with Clemson's Department of Sociology, Anthropology and Criminal Justice, Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) and SC Department of Mental Health, has allowed CUPD to develop a co-responder team with a certified mental clinician embedded with CUPD units.

The co-responder team is available for immediate response to situations involving mental health, co-occurring disorders and emotional crises to begin direct intervention strategies and connect individuals to appropriate resources.

Need help?

If you or someone else is experiencing a mental health crisis and needs immediate help, call or text 911. Tell the emergency dispatcher that there is a mental health concern. CUPD dispatchers can also be reached by calling 864-656-2222 or using the Text CU Dispatch feature in the Rave Guardian app.