Returning From a Medical Emergency
LMU policy requires that a student who has been hospitalized for a psychiatric and/or medical emergency secure appropriate treatment from a mental health/medical professional before returning to campus. In some instances, before returning to LMU, the student may be required to arrange for their treatment provider to endorse the student’s readiness to resume studies. This endorsement would be communicated to the Directors at Student Psychological Service and/or Student Health Center. A subsequent meeting will then be held following discharge from the hospital with the student and appropriate LMU personnel to review documents, establish the student’s readiness for a return to school, and provide the necessary support to make this return/reenrollment successful.
In evaluating whether a student has successfully participated in treatment while hospitalized, Student Psychological Services / Student Health Center requires a written statement from the student’s treatment provider. The treatment provider must be a licensed or certified mental health or medical professional. The statement from the licensed or certified professional must include the following:
- A diagnosis and a statement indicating that there is evidence of sufficient improvement to show that the student’s psychological/psychiatric/medical condition does not pose significant risk to the student or another.
- A statement that specifically addresses the student’s ability to perform academically without jeopardizing their health.
- A statement and recommendations for any ongoing treatment, medication, behavioral management and care.
In order to process this information in a timely manner, Student Psychological Services requires a signed release from the student. You may download one or both available releases by clicking on the links below.
Release #1 (click to download) allows the Student Psychological Service (SPS) staff to verbally exchange information and to receive written documentation from your treating medical doctor and/or licensed mental health provider regarding your readiness to return to school and return to a full academic schedule and active student life.
Release #2 (click to download) allows SPS to communicate with specific personnel on campus and/or your parent/guardian for restricted and limited reasons. Release #2 allows SPS to exchange information with three LMU offices: The Dean of Students, the Director of Residence Life and/or designee, and the Assistant Dean of Student Affairs/Director of Off-Campus Life. The Dean of Students, with your signed permission, will notify your college Dean that you have a medical reason to be away from the college;
no other information will be supplied, unless you wish more information to be offered. Please note, a medical reason
does not excuse you from class assignments; it is advised that you contact your professors, or authorize your parent or guardian to act on your behalf should your medical situation require extensive time away from the university. The Director of Residence Life and/or designee is notified to facilitate and address community concerns. And, lastly, allowing the exchange of information with your parent/guardian may provide you with additional support and allow for the best treatment coordination among all agencies.
The signed and completed release(s) may be faxed, with the hard copy mailed to the director of the Student Psychological Services or Student Health Center as appropriate:
Kristin Linden, Ph.D, Director Katie Arce, FNP, Director
Student Psychological Service Student Health Center
1 LMU Drive, MS 8485 1 LMU Drive, MS 8455
Los Angeles, CA 90045 Los Angeles, CA 90045
Tel: 310-338-2868 Tel: 310-338-2881
Fax: 310-338-3705 Fax: 310-338- 4417
Once the signed release is received, Student Psychological Services and/or Student Health Center staff will arrange for a meeting with appropriate personnel.
Any questions about this process should be directed to Kristin Linden, SPS Director, or Katie Arce, SHC Director. Questions regarding campus housing should be addressed to Ms. Lori Harrison, Associate Director of Residential Life. Questions regarding off-campus housing issues should be addressed to Ms. Jade Smith, Assistant Dean of Student Affairs/Director of Off-Campus Life. Ultimately, the decision to allow a student to return to school following a medical leave rests with the LMU Dean of Students, and not with the staff at Student Psychological Services or Student Health Center.