What to Do in an Emergency

During Business Hours: CAPS staff are available to students who are in crisis on a same-day basis. Call us at (202) 687-6985 and let our receptionist know that you are in crisis and need to speak with a clinician.

After-Hours CAPS: Please call the CAPS main office number, (202) 687-6985, on which a menu of options can direct you to our emergency consultation line.

If you are experiencing an immediate life-threatening emergency, call 911 or go to your local emergency room. Additionally, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline 24/7.

How do I know if it’s an emergency?

Immediate intervention (calling for help) is needed if you believe you or another student is in a:

  • life-threatening situation,
  • violent,
  • out of control,
  • physically unsafe
  • or in danger.

Additional Emergency Services:

The following are options available to you for contact and help:

  • Georgetown Emergency Response Medical Services (GERMS) at 202-687-4357. GERMS should be called whenever a person in the Georgetown community is sick, hurt, or scared about the health or well-being of another person. If necessary, GERMS will escort the student to the nearest hospital emergency room.
  • Georgetown University Police Department (GUPD) at 202-687-4343. For the Sexual Assault Response Team, ask to be connected to the Sexual Assault Officer.
  • Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is available for students to text or call for free and confidential emotional support during a suicidal crisis. Services are offered in English and Spanish with additional supports for students who are deaf or are hard of hearing. Reach the Suicide and Crisis lifeline by calling or texting 988.
  • If in the DC Metro area, off-campus please call Metropolitan Police Department (Metro PD) at 911.
  • If not in the DC metro area, please contact your local authorities by calling 911 or go to your local emergency room.