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» When to Refer a Student to Counseling Services

Early intervention is almost always the best. Any time a person can receive appropriate help before he or she is in crisis, it is beneficial.

The following signs may indicate a need to refer a student to Counseling Services:

  • Depression
  • Suicidal thoughts or feelings
  • Substance abuse
  • Abrupt changes in behavior
  • Inappropriate crying
  • Outbursts of anger
  • Low self-esteem
  • Debilitating anxiety

A student who has experienced a significant loss or a traumatic incident can also benefit from counseling.

How to Refer

Consider the following guidelines when talking with a student:

  • Talk to the student in a private setting
  • Listen carefully and express your concern
  • Repeat back the essence of what the student tells you
  • Avoid criticizing or sounding judgmental
  • Suggest that the student see the Director of Counseling Services
  • Assure the student that the counseling is confidential and free of charge
  • Offer to call the counselor for them, or let them use your phone to make an appointment

If a student has an urgent or crisis situation, please call 911. These situation may include, but are not limited to:

  • A risk of suicide
  • A threat of harm to others
  • Severely disorganized, psychotic, or out of control behavior
  • Trauma such as sexual assault
  • Severe sickness due to drug or alcohol overdose
 
 
 

Last Updated 1/27/07