Sometimes an advisee or student presents a personal problem that is out of your area of expertise to resolve or to provide counsel. In this situation it is appropriate to make an artful handoff to a professional resource such as counseling. Referring a student ideally involves these four steps:
(1) suggest what you feel is the appropriate resource;
(2) describe (in as much details as possible) what the resource will provide and what it won't provide;
(3) encourage the student to visit the service or make an appointment (you can be present when the phone call is made); and
(4) follow up with the student after the fact to see if it was a positive experience. This doesn't mean that you have to "get in the student's business", rather these steps show that you are concerned and care enough to know that the student received appropriate help and is feeling better. Also, if the visit didn't go well, you can consult with Student Affairs to find out if we can help the student to have a more positive experience.


SIGNS OF STUDENT DISTRESS

How do you know if a student needs help?
This list includes signs and symptoms that may warrant further evaluation. Mental illnesses that often occur in college-age people include major depression, schizophrenia, eating disorders, and bipolar disorder. If you see any of the following signs in a student - or anything else that concerns you - it is worth talking over with him or her.

- tearfulness; statements of stress, distress, anxiety, depression
- statements of under- or oversleeping
- agitation
- a pattern of missed classes or unfinished assignments
- deterioration or changes in hygiene, appearance, achievement, etc.
- difficulty speaking in class or one-on-one
- paranoia
- irritability
- grandiosity
- bizarre behavior or statements, or empty or disorganized speech or writing
- themes of death or suicide in written work
- alcohol on breath, intoxicated or drugged appearance

Further, detailed information on various mental disorders: http://www.nimh.nih.gov/

WHAT SHOULD YOU SAY IF YOU ARE CONCERNED?
"You seem _____. How have things been going for you?"
"I've been concerned about you lately because _____."
"I've noticed that you are _____. I'm worried about you."
"How bad have you been feeling?"
"Let me walk you over to the counseling center."

REFERRING A STUDENT TO MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES

If you feel that a student you know needs assessment and/or treatment for mental illness, (or you are worried or wonder if you should be worried about a student), you have several options:
- talk to the student
- walk the student to the Campus Counseling Center, x3230
- consult with a mental health professional at the Campus Counseling Center, x3230
- consult with professional staff in Student Affairs, x3700
- consult with a mental health professional at Poweshiek County Mental Health Center: 236-6137


STUDENT MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES

On Campus Counseling Center
- Health Center, Forum, lower level, x3230
- 9:00 am - 4:00 pm, Monday-Friday
- Staffed by mental health professionals from Poweshiek County Mental Health Center
- Walk-in counseling for students on a first-come, first-served and emergency basis
- The Campus Counseling Center staff can also serve as a resource for faculty and staff who are concerned about students. Call or stop by to consult about students of concern.

Poweshiek County Mental Health Center
- 200 West 4th Avenue, 236-6137
- Transportation for students available from the campus Health Center