Faculty/Staff Questions

When should I refer a student?

Students often encounter a great deal of stress during their college years. While most students cope successfully with the demands of college life, for some, the pressures can become overwhelming and unmanageable. Students may feel alone, isolated, helpless and even hopeless. These feelings can easily disrupt academic performance and may result in harmful behaviors such as substance abuse and attempts at suicide. Faculty and staff members are in a unique position to identify and help students who are in distress. This may be particularly true for students who cannot or will not turn to family or friends. Anyone who is seen as caring and trustworthy may be a potential resource in times of trouble. Your expression of interest and concern may be a critical factor in helping struggling students reestablish emotional equilibrium, thus saving their academic careers or even their lives. The following may help to identify some symptoms which, when present over a period of time, suggest that the problems with which the person is dealing are more than the normal ones:

• Marked change in academic performance or behavior
• Disruptive behavior
• Reference to emotional or life stressors
• References to suicide, homicide, or death

How do I refer a student?

• Speak directly to the student about your concerns, preferably in private. People in distress are almost always receptive to an expression of genuine interest, caring, and concern.
• Be specific about the behaviors you've observed that have caused your concern (e.g., falling grades, drinking too much, crying a lot, withdrawing from friends, statements about suicide, etc.). Clearly stating your observations makes it more difficult for the person to deny that a problem exists and also lets the person know that you care enough to notice.
• Remember that, except in cases of emergency, the decision whether to accept a referral to therapy rests with the student. If the person refuses the idea of therapy, it's usually best not to push. Suggest that the two of you explore this matter again some time in the future.
• Many people have negative preconceptions about therapy based upon stereotypes. Educate the student on the process of therapy. Let the person know that therapy is free and voluntary and that he or she can terminate the process at any time.
• Make sure the student knows that therapy is confidential. Tell the person that therapy sessions are normally scheduled on a weekly or bi-weekly basis and that a typical session normally lasts for 45 minutes. Let the individual know that therapists work hard to understand students, to see things from their point of view, and to then collaboratively help them to figure out solutions.
• Assure the student that, if an appointment is made with a therapist and things don't work out, he or she can ask to meet with a different professional with whom he or she might feel more comfortable.
• If the student is really upset, or if you're worried that he or she might not follow through, suggest that the individual make an appointment now. If the person is still hesitant, offer to call for him or her. Some faculty, staff, and friends have even brought students directly to Counseling Services when that level of support has been necessary.
• Because people often mistakenly see coming to therapy as a sign of weakness, frame the decision to seek therapy as a mature choice and a healthy way to cope that suggests a person is not running away from problems.
• After the first meeting with a therapist, follow up by asking how things went during the session. If the person is ambivalent about continuing in therapy, some additional encouragement might be helpful. The therapy process is often most difficult at the very beginning, and your encouragement may help to get the person over this initial hurdle.

Why haven't I heard from Counseling Services about the student I referred? The best way to find out whether a student has sought help as a result of your referral to Counseling Services is to ask the student directly. Due to the confidentiality of psychotherapy services, the psychologists in Counseling Services will not disclose whether or not a student has made an appointment or been to see Counseling staff unless the student grants explicit, written permission. Sometimes a student may wish that their therapist contacted a faculty member, staff person, parent, or other individual. In these cases, the student will sign a release of information form to enable this contact with the therapist.

If you have any further counseling questions, please contact Dr. Craig Anderson, Dr. Beth Schubert or Dr. Dusti Sisk-Fandrich at  x7270.