Students in Distress

A Referral Guide for Faculty and Staff

Purpose
Students entering college experience significant personal and psychological growth that may at times be very stressful.  As a faculty or staff member, you are in a unique position to identify when a student is unable to cope with their stress on their own.  You may also be aware of marked changes in a student’s behavior or academic performance. 
The purpose of this guide is to assist faculty and staff with information connecting students to available resources offered through the Counseling Center on campus.
COUNSELING CENTER The Counseling Center provides short-term therapeutic services to facilitate students’ personal, social and educational adjustment while at college.  Professional Counselors assist students in dealing with major psychological issues as well as developmental concerns often related to interpersonal relationships, family issues and individual identity concerns.  Services include:

  • Individual and group counseling
  • Consultation and Referral
  • Training
  • Presentations and Workshops on related topics
  • Crisis management/intervention

Location:               B-44 Van Hoesen Hall
                                753-4728
WHEN TO REFER
A referral to the Counseling Center may be appropriate if a student:

  • Appears distressed and displays unusual behaviors or reactions.
  • Shows a marked or atypical change in behavior, habits or responses.
  • Exhibits elevated or chronic anxiety, withdrawal, sadness, or anger.
  • Discusses personal issues that go beyond your academic or educational role.
  • Shows signs of alcohol or other substance abuse and unable to cope with academic demands or other college experiences.

HOW TO REFER
A student who feels overwhelmed or unable to seek help on their own may greatly benefit from your support and acknowledgment of their concerns. Relate your observations in an objective but caring manner. Discuss a possible referral when you have time to listen fully in a private area.  It may help to tell the student:

  • The Counseling Center sees over a thousand students per year and problems do not have to get out of hand before seeking assistance.
  • Counseling is confidential and a student can choose a male or female counselor.
  • Counseling is voluntary and not mandated unless it is an emergency or a result of a college violation.  In a crisis situation, walk the student to the Center.
  • If it helps to ease the process, make an appointment for the student.

CONFIDENTIALITY
The Counseling Center is bound by strict rules of confidentiality and information on a client is not divulged without his/her written permission.  Unless there is a direct indication of a threat to oneself or others, the student has the right to privacy and control over what information is given and to whom.
This certainly does not prevent faculty or professionals from seeking general guidance or providing the counseling staff with relevant information on a student’s behalf when needed.
EMERGENCY SITUATIONS
In rare occasions, you may be confronted with a situation that requires immediate action:

  • A student indicates signs of suicidal thoughts or intent.  Don’t be afraid of asking specific questions that may help the student to feel supported and more willing to seek help.
  • Indication that the student may be a potential threat to someone else.
  • The mental health status of a student is questionable: signs of deterioration in thought process, staying in the present, understanding basic directions.

When confronted with an emergency:

  • Do not leave the student alone and if possible, have someone nearby ready to offer additional help.
  • If appropriate, accompany the student to the Counseling Center or call the Counseling Center for assistance.

EMERGENCY CONTACTS
The Counseling Center will see emergency walk-ins or appointments by phone (753-4728) depending on the type and severity of concern. If possible contact the Center prior to a referral for additional information and to give the Center a description of the situation at hand.  In an emergency, you should contact University Police (753-2111) which is also located on the same floor as the Counseling Center.
CONSULTATION
If you are concerned about a student, the Counseling Center is available to consult with you regarding options, ways to approach a situation, how to confront a student in distress or general information on psychological issues and concerns.  The Counselors on staff are also very willing to assist in directing you to other resources available at the college or in the community.
The best intervention often requires a team
approach and the Counseling Center is committed to work together with faculty and staff members to promote a successful and meaningful college experience for our students.  
The Counseling Staff
Richard C. Peagler, LMHC,  Director of Counseling and Student Development
Sheila Dai, LMHC, Assistant Director of Counseling
Billie Jean Goff, LMHC, Senior Counselor
Stephen Smith, LCSW-R,  Senior Counselor
Robyn Forster, NBCC, Senior Counselor
Melinda VanEtten, Secretary
The Counseling Center is accredited by the International Association of Counseling Services.
 CAMPUS SERVICES
Counseling Center
B-44 Van Hoesen Hall
753-4728
Monday – Friday 8:00 – 4:30 PM
Closed noon – 1:00pm lunch
University Police
C-17 Van Hoesen Hall
753-2111 for 24 hour emergencies
Student Health Service
B-26 Van Hoesen Hall
753-4811
Monday – Friday 8:30-4:30 PM
Disability Services
Substance Abuse Prevention and Education
Health Promotion
B-1 Van Hoesen Hall
753-2066
Monday – Friday 8:30-4:30 PM

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