Emergencies

  • If you have an immediate concern about suicide, either personally or for someone else, call Student Health at 212-305-3400 and request to speak with a clinician or nurse immediately. You may also call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255 or go to the nearest emergency room.
  • If you have experienced sexual, domestic, and/or intimate partner violence, stalking, harassment, or any other form of gender-based violence, contact Sexual Violence Response (SVR) at 212-854-4357 (HELP) for 24/7/365 support. Read more about what to do if you have been sexually assaulted.
  • If you have had an occupational blood or infectious body fluid exposure, follow instructions for Occupational Exposures.
  • If you have been involved in a non-sexual assault with possible blood/infectious body fluid exposure, go immediately to the emergency room for possible post-exposure prophylaxis for HIV—ideally started as soon as possible after exposure.

Not Sure?

If you are uncertain whether this is an emergency, contact Student Health at 212-305-3400. Emergency telephone consultations are available when we are closed and we can:

  • Offer advice
  • Call in indicated prescriptions
  • Advise if an urgent evaluation is necessary and direct you appropriately

Follow-Up

It is important to follow-up with Student Health after an emergency. If you go directly to the emergency room:

  • After you are discharged, call 212-305-3400 so we can assist you with follow-up.
  • If the emergency room refers you to another physician for follow-up, you MUST get a referral from Student Health first, or your referral will NOT be covered as an in-network benefit by the Columbia University Student Health Insurance Plan. Call 212-305-3400 during business hours to make an appointment to get your referral.
  • See Aetna Student Health Insurance Plan Summary of Benefits and Coverage for detailed information about insurance coverage, including emergency room and ambulance copays. Students can also view more information about Health Insurance at Student Health on Haven.