A student experiences a severe emotional crisis during school hours. Outline the immediate steps a school psychologist should take.

• A. Ensure safety, activate crisis protocol, involve appropriate staff, assess risk, provide calming supports, document, communicate with guardians, arrange follow-up mental health support.
• B. Lock the student in a room and wait.
• C. Call in janitorial staff to handle.
• D. Ignore and wait for crisis to resolve.

Answer: (B)

In a severe emotional crisis, safety and rapid stabilization are the top priorities. Start by ensuring the student and others are safe, removing immediate hazards, and staying with the student in a calm, nonjudgmental way while using appropriate de‑escalation and grounding strategies. Quickly activate the school’s crisis protocol and involve trained staff such as administrators, counselors, and other mental health professionals; assemble the crisis response so the student isn’t isolated and help is readily available. Conduct a brief risk assessment to determine if there is danger to self or others, and follow district or school procedures for those determinations. Provide calming supports and a reassuring presence, then prioritize clear communication with guardians to inform them of the situation and the steps being taken. Document the incident and all actions taken, and arrange immediate or soonest follow‑up mental health support, including in‑school supports or referrals to community resources. Plan for ongoing safety and a careful reentry process, with a follow‑up check‑in to monitor the student and adjust supports as needed.