4.1.4 Mental Health Assessment

Effective Date: 4/5/21
Policy Owner: VP for Student Affairs
Responsible Offices: AVP/Dean of Students Office
Policy Applicable for: Faculty/Staff & Students

The Crisis, Assessment, Referral, Evaluation Team (“CARE Team”) responds to reports about students whose behavior is raising concerns within the University community.  After gathering information regarding a student of concern, the CARE Team devises a coordinated plan for assessment, intervention, and management of the concerns for the student’s and University community’s well-being.  The purpose of this policy is to create a mechanism to provide support and care for students of concern to support their safety and the safety of the University community.  See also the Threat Assessment Group Policy, SOP Number 12.1.400.  

The CARE Team may recommend that a student of concern undergo a mental health assessment to determine what types of services the student may benefit from receiving to promote their safety, health, and successful studies.  Students who choose to participate in a mental health assessment may receive beneficial information regarding services that can help them live a healthier life and fully participate as a student.   For example, students who receive a mental health assessment may receive a diagnosis that will help them request a medical leave of absence from school to address their health issues or receive other accommodations with the assistance of Accessibility Resources.   

The CARE Team may require that a student of concern undergo a mental health assessment if the student does not voluntarily seek an assessment, and the student has either attempted suicide, is presently contemplating suicide, or exhibits signs of being a danger to themselves or others.  When mandating a mental health assessment, the CARE Team will send written notice to the student stating the basis for its decision and information on how to appeal the CARE Team’s decision. 

The CARE Team will refer the student to Counseling & Psychological Services (“CAPS”) to schedule the assessment.  CAPS will schedule the assessment with immediacy.  The student may request to receive the mental health assessment from a licensed mental health professional located off-campus.  The student must schedule the off-campus assessment to occur within a reasonable time of receiving the CARE Team’s written notice. If the student requests an off-campus assessment, the student will bear the financial responsibility.  The length and scope of the assessment will be decided by the student’s mental health provided (whether CAPS or off-campus).

At the completion of the assessment, the student must have the mental health provider complete the Treatment Provider Assessment Form and immediately return it to the CARE Team.  The student is then required to meet with a CARE Team member to discuss the services and supports the student may need to remain safely on campus.

Failure to complete the mandated health assessment within a reasonable time, including providing the Treatment Provider Assessment Form, will result in the University initiating involuntary withdrawal procedures.  The Involuntary Withdrawal Policy may be found at www.uc.edu/sa or contact the Office of Student Affairs at (513) 556-4119 for more information.

As a result of the mental health assessment, the student’s mental health provider may recommend that the student receive treatment.  Any costs associated with receiving treatment will remain the student’s responsibility.  If a student is experiencing financial hardship that would prevent the student from receiving treatment, the student is encouraged to contact the Assistant Dean of Students for assistance. 

Typically, it is the student’s choice whether they would like to receive treatment.  In limited circumstances, when the student has been assessed to be a direct threat to self or others, the University may require a student to receive treatment as a condition for remaining in school if the student’s mental health provider informs the University that treatment will mitigate the threat.  In the event the University mandates such treatment as a condition for remaining at school, the length and scope of treatment will be at the mental health professional’s discretion.  If the student refuses to receive treatment at the advice of the student’s mental health provider, the University may proceed with involuntary withdrawal procedures as outlined in the Involuntary Withdrawal Policy at www.uc.edu/sa.

A student may appeal the decision of the CARE Team mandating the mental health assessment.  The student must submit a written request to the Vice President of Student Affairs (“VPSA”) within two (2) University business days from the date of receiving the CARE Team’s written notice mandating the assessment. 

A meeting between the student and VPSA (or designee) should occur as soon as possible following the request.  The student may bring an advisor to the meeting, but the advisor may not speak for the student.  The student must notify the VPSA (or designee) one (1) University business day prior to the hearing if the student plans to bring an advisor who is an attorney or healthcare provider.

The student must authorize the VPSA (or designee) to access relevant materials deemed necessary for deciding the appeal. If the student refuses to grant access to the records, the meeting will proceed without the requested information.

The VPSA (or designee) will inform the student in writing of its decision and reasons for the decision, as soon as practical following the meeting. The decision of the VPSA (or designee) is effective upon being issued to the student and is final.

The CARE Team may contact the student’s parents, significant others, or other emergency contact in the event the student is in extreme danger of self-harm or a harm to others.