Referring Students For Help:
A Guide For BSU Faculty and Staff

INTRODUCTION: When to Make a Referral

When interacting with students you may occasionally encounter someone that gives cause for concern. It may seem to be an issue of physical or emotional health, apparent relation-ship problems, speech or test anxiety, or some personal habit that you are concerned will continue to handicap that person in the future.

Considering that one of the purposes of higher education is to help prepare students for future life, it is always appropriate for us as educators and administrators to sensitively share our concerns with these students and, if possible, suggest some avenues of help. As long as you state your observations with sensitivity (which often may require privacy) and avoid a formal “diagnosis” outside your area of expertise, these observations and well-intentioned referrals are ethically and legally appropriate. As one of the few responsible adults who might have the ability to make these observations, your intervention might also be necessary.

OUR OVERALL PHILOSOPHY: How it Might Help in Referring

Our name, “Counseling Center” is occasionally misleading. Some people immediately think of the services we give as being for the mentally ill. As a result they may avoid our facility. In this instance, the “mental health” label is unfortunate as well as misleading.

Our emphasis is on assisting students to develop life skills to achieve personal and academic success. These skills may address techniques for managing stress, reducing anxiety, improving self esteem, facilitating social and personal relationships, addressing family issues, managing their time efficiently and planning for life after graduation.

As licensed professionals we also assess, treat and refer students dealing with more serious psychological concerns such as depression, sexual assault, drug and alcohol issues, suicidality and eating disorders. We are aware of many clinicians and programs in the community and try to match the student’s need with the most appropriate resource available. We remind students that professional help at critical times in their lives may be the best way to maximize opportunities for academic success in the future.

When you recommend our services, as a faculty member or other concerned BSU staff member, we think being aware of this philosophy might help. It suggests talking with students not in terms of “mental health”, but rather with phrases such as “learning new skills”, “taking a course in yourself”, and “preparing yourself to be more successful and life-loving in the future.

TYPES OF REFERRAL SITUATIONS

A number of situations suggest the potential for referring a student for our services. These include your observations of/conversations with students about….

• Classroom anxiety (such as with presentations/tests)
• Pronounced attention/memory difficulties
• Abrupt changes in behavior/excessive procrastination/poor preparation (especially if inconsistent with previous work)
• Repeated requests for special consideration (e.g. deadline extensions)
• Marked changes in personal hygiene
• Isolation from others
• Suicidal/homicidal threats
• Bizarre behavior
• Dramatic weight loss/gain
• Sudden & marked attendance decline
• Sudden outbursts of anger
• Alcohol/drug abuse
• Inappropriate emotions
• Chronic fatigue or low energy
• Irritability
• Restlessness
• Low Self Esteem

TIPS FOR INTERACTION

• Talk to the student in private.
• Listen carefully.
• Let the student see your concern and interest.
• Repeat back the essence of what the student has told you, as a way of “cross-checking”.
• Avoid criticizing or sounding judgmental, let the student know you are interested in him/her learning the skills needed to move forward.
• Introduce the Counseling Center as a resource that large numbers of students have used to learn helpful personal skills.
• If the student resists and you are still concerned, feel free to call one of us at
• 531-1331 to discuss these concerns.
• Involve yourself to your level of comfort; it can be gratifying. Be prepared to be comforted in the knowledge that not everyone will accept your well-intentioned suggestions.

TIPS IN MAKING REFERRALS

Reassurance helps. It can be helpful for students to know that you have had a positive experience in previously referring students to the Counseling Center or met members of the staff. Please call if you would like to have a personal introduction to our staff and services.

Make the contact. If the student agrees, telephone for an appointment in the student’s presence.

Confidentiality. Please remember to assure the student that our services are strictly confidential. Without the student’s written consent, the law prohibits us from even saying we have seen a person, including you.

Offer to Come Along. It is sometimes reassuring to a student to have someone they know and trust come with them for their first meeting; sometimes this also helps to insure that first contact takes place. Typically faculty or friends would leave shortly after introducing the student, or after the first several minutes of a meeting.

CONTACTING US

Daytimes: Office hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Mondays through Fridays.
Our telephone number is 531-1331, and we are located in 013 Tillinghast Hall.

Evenings/Weekends: On occasion some urgent situations might come to your attention on evenings or weekends, and suggest possible immediate intervention. In those situations, our staff also asks you to contact Campus Police at 911.

PSYCHOLOGICAL CRISES

Psychological crises vary in intensity. While rare, crises can occur during the semester, particularly during stressful times, including exam and holiday periods. In some instances of severe emotional or psychological disturbance, immediate response is necessary for the well being of the student or others.

If you need emergency professionals on site, contact Campus Police directly at 911.

Types of Crises

• Overtly suicidal thoughts, e.g., referring to suicide as a current option.
• Behavior posing a threat to the individual or others.
• Bizarre or strange behavior, which is obviously inappropriate to the situation (e.g., impaired speech or disjointed thoughts).
• Demonstrated inability to care for oneself.

How to Respond

• If the student poses an imminent danger to self or others, contact Campus Police immediately at 911.
• If possible, do not leave the student unattended (unless you feel concerned for your own safety.)
• In less extreme crises use the referral guidelines stated in this brochure.
• If you feel concerned for your safety, go to a safe location and call 911.

Last Modified: August 17, 2011