Referring Students To Counseling
A Guide for Faculty and Staff
When
Student Advisement Takes on a Counseling-Like Quality
Some suggestions
to help you establish rapport with students and understand their concerns
are:
- Talk with the
student in private.
- Listen carefully.
- Show interest
and concern.
- Repeat back to
the student the essence of what he/she has told you.
- Limit constructive
criticism.
- Respect the student's
values and beliefs.
Students will appreciate
your willingness to listen, and if the situation warrants, you will
have established the trust necessary for an effective and successful
referral to the Student Counseling Center.
Consultations
Consultations
are available in the Student Counseling Center if you are concerned
about a student or situation, but are unsure of how to proceed. Call
the Student Counseling Center and a licensed professional counselor
will help you determine an appropriate course of action. (Don't carry
it all on your shoulders). Consultations are a regular part of our services
and are frequently used by faculty and staff.
Indicators
That May Suggest the Need for a Referral
Traumatic Life
Changes:
- Severe Personal
Illness or Illness of a Family Member or Close Friend
- Death of a
Family Member or Friend
- Difficulties
in Family or Dating Relationships
- Separation
or Divorce
Life Decision
Difficulties:
- Change of Major
or Career Indecision
Interpersonal
Relationships:
- Withdrawal
from Usual Social Interaction
- Excessive Seclusion
and Unwillingness to Communicate
- Excessive Dependency
on Advisor or others
- Avoidance of
Professor or Other Students
- Complaints
from Other Students
Learning Problems:
- Observable
Changes in Academic Performance
- Marked Deficit
in Memory or Concentration
- Test Anxiety
that Seems Debilitating
- Excessive Procrastination
- Repeated Requests
for Special Consideration (Not Related to Disability Accommodation)
Behavioral
Markers:
- Dramatic Change
in Personal Hygiene
- Dramatic Weight
Gain or Loss
- Falling Asleep
in Class
- Change in Sleep
Patterns (Increased or Decreased Sleep)
- Increased Activity,
Nervousness or Agitation Irritability or Outburst of Anger
- Change in Speech
Patterns (Unusually Soft or Loud Voice, or Unusually Slow or Fast
Speech)
- Suspiciousness
or Feelings of Persecution Tearfulness or Crying
- Inability to
Make Decisions
- Frequent Worry,
Anxiety or Fear
- Alcohol or
Other Drug Abuse
Make a Referral
In a direct, straightforward and caring manner, recommend to the student
that she or he make an appointment at the Student Counseling Center.
It is often useful to ask: "Are you talking with anyone about this?"
Except in emergencies, the option should be left open for the student
to accept or refuse counseling.
If the student agrees
to a referral and is not currently getting counseling outside U.T. Tyler,
you may wish to aid the student in contacting the Student Counseling
Center. With the student present, call the Student Counseling Center
(7254), identify yourself and explain to the secretary that you are
assisting a student in making an appointment; then allow the student
to speak to the secretary to arrange an appointment time.
Suggest to the student
that, with his or her permission, you will give information to the counselor
about the nature of the concern.
Client confidentiality
prohibits us from providing you with information about a student whom
you have referred. Therefore, we are unable to discuss the particulars
of a student's situation, or even the fact that counseling is being
received, without the student's written consent.
Follow up with the
student at a later date to show your continued interest, even if the
individual does not accept your referral.
Emergency Situations
- Expression of
Suicidal Thoughts
- Regardless of
the circumstances or context, any reference to suicide, threat of
suicide, or attempt at suicide should be judged as serious.
- Expression of
Homicidal Thoughts
- Severe Loss of
Emotional Control
- Gross Impairment
in Thinking Ability
- Impaired Speech
or Garbled, Disjointed Thoughts
- Bizarre Behavior
If
the danger appears imminent, you should call 911 for Emergency Assistance.
If
you are uncertain about the course of action to take, and it is during
office hours, you may contact the Student Counseling Center for consultation
and assistance. After hours, you may call The Andrew's Center at (903)
597-1351.
The Student Counseling
Center is open Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
and other
hours by appointment.
Students may visit
the office with or without an appointment, but an appointment is recommended.
All services are made available through the use of student service fees.
There is no additional charge for services.
Please call 566-7254, TDD 565-5579 to schedule an appointment with a
licensed professional counselor.
Adapted from brochures from: The University of Texas at Tyler Student
Counseling Center, The University of Texas at Dallas Student Counseling
Center,
and Boston University Counseling Center
Updated 5/06
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