Reasons for Referring a Student to Counseling

  • The student asks you for help.
  • The student has experienced a trauma.
  • The student appears distressed about school or personal life.
  • The student's performance in and/or attendance to major activities (e.g., academics, athletics, student organizations, employment, etc.) have declined.
  • The student exhibits behavioral changes (e.g. not sleeping or sleeping all the time, increase or decrease in energy level, etc.) or displays highly unusual behavior.
  • The student's physical appearance changes dramatically (e.g., seasonally inappropriate attire, cuts or bruises, dramatic weight changes, severe body odor, etc.)
  • The student displays extreme emotional reactions (e.g., loud or inappropriate expressions of anger, frequent or intense crying, etc.).

Consultation

  • If you are unsure about whether a student may need a referral to counseling or are uncomfortable approaching the student about the referral to counseling, please consult with someone in Student Health and Counseling Services.
  • We may be able to assist you in providing case specific information about how to approach the student, help you assess the severity of the situation, and/or find another person who can approach the student.
  • People you may wish to consult with include: Joyce Stern; Travis Greene; Deanna Shorb; Stephanie Brown; Harriett Dickey-Chasins.

Tips for Referring a Student to Counseling Services

  • Express your concern privately
  • Try not to use labels (e.g., you have an eating disorder, you're depressed)
  • Use "I" statements
  • Talk about the specific observable behaviors that suggest the need for counseling
  • Normalize counseling (in the course of regular conversation)
  • Offer to make the referral for him or her
  • If appropriate, go to the counseling center with him or her
  • Try to follow-up - offer to listen again
  • Remember that you are not responsible for making the person ready to change, but you can provide him or her with the opportunity to contact the appropriate resource

Signs of an Emergency

If a student shows these signs, call 269-3230 immediately and request consultation with one of the clinical staff about an appropriate course of action:

  • Out of touch with reality
  • Talking about killing themselves or someone else
  • Passive suicidal statements (for example, I wouldn't care if I got hit by a truck)
  • Unable to take care of him/herself in routine ways (eating, sleeping, safety)