This article outlines how an occupational health nurse can intervene in cases of severe depression, psychotic or other psychiatric emergencies. In cases where the employee is too incapacitated to handle their situation, the occupational nurse must be prepared to initiate action. The author outlines characteristics of depressed, suicidal, homicidal, psychotic & manic employees, & the role of the nurse in treatment. Risk indicators for suicide, assessment & lethality issues are also discussed.