Our Purpose

The Community Response Team on Cornell’s main campus in Ithaca, NY was established to provide an alternative response for individuals experiencing behavioral or mental health crises, emotional distress, or other challenging situations that do not require a law enforcement presence. While our team may respond with the Cornell Police Department, we recognize that individuals with marginalized identities frequently have negative experiences with law enforcement, which can lead to anxiety and distress when dealing with police. We aim to provide compassionate support and ensure that individuals feel safe and understood during crisis situations.

Our team comprises professionals with diverse backgrounds in mental health counseling, psychology, social work, and crisis intervention. We operate with core values of compassion, respect, and collaboration, ensuring that a person-centered and trauma-informed approach is at the forefront of everything we do. Whether you’re facing a mental health crisis, emotional distress, or needing extra support during a challenging time, we’re here to help you navigate your way through it.

We provide wraparound services, guaranteeing an individualized approach that addresses the immediate needs of a person in distress while also connecting them to campus and community resources for ongoing support. By collaborating closely with campus partners, we strive to create an empowering and supportive environment that enables our campus community to grow and thrive.

Our Mission

The Cornell University Community Response Team is dedicated to providing compassionate, mobile crisis support and wraparound services for individuals experiencing mental health challenges, emotional distress, or other extenuating circumstances. As an alternative first responder team, we collaborate with public safety units to ensure a holistic and empathetic approach to crisis intervention, fostering a safe and supportive environment for all members of our community.