FACULTY/STAFF REFERRAL GUIDE

Reason for Consultation / Referrals

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

• Abrupt / Radical changes in behavior
• Isolation from others
• Poor attendance in class
• Sudden outbursts of anger
• Attention / Memory difficulties
• Alcohol / Drug abuse
• Inappropriate crying
• Chronic fatigue / Low energy
• Irritability
• Restlessness
• Low self-esteem

A student may also be referred to the Counseling Center for information on various topics such as the following:

• Time management
• Life planning
• Assertiveness training
• Self-esteem building
• Stress management
• Relationship enhancement
• Anger management
• Study skills
• Communication skill
  

Guidelines for Facilitation Consultations / Referrals

• You may want to call for a consultation to discuss your concerns about a student.  One of our staff will help you clarify what may be the most helpful approach for that individual.  Telephone and ask to speak to the clinician-on-call regarding a possible referral.
• Talk to the student directly and express your concern.  Give the student the Counseling Center phone number and location and encourage him/her to make the contact in your presence.  Appointments for an initial interview can be made through the secretary at ext. 4283.  It can be scheduled any time between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM during the work week.  The intake session usually lasts about fifty minutes and is facilitated by a member of the staff who then assigns the student to a therapist.  The student's preference for a specific counselor, if they have one, will be duly considered depending on the student's need for assistance and the counselor's schedule
  

Assessment of the Student

• In the initial interview the clinician assesses the student's needs and what services may be appropriate.  The following options may be considered:

  • further assessment using career and/or psychological testing
  • individual, couples, family or group sessions
  • referral to other departments or services on campus and/or in the community

Follow-up Procedure

We understand that you may be interested in the progress of the student you have referred.  However, we are bound by the principles of confidentiality as defined by the Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice (American Counseling Association).

The following examples clarify this principle:

WE CAN:

• answer your questions concerning steps to take in assisting the students in coming to the Counseling Center
• offer you information about psychological concerns and problems in general

WE CANNOT:

• say whether a student is being seen here or has kept an appointment
• discuss the content of sessions
• discuss the treatment plans or progres

In some cases the student may find it in his/her best interest for information to be shared with a faculty, staff, family member or significant other.  This is done by the student's own written authorization with clear explanation of the purpose and content of any disclosure.  The only exception would be a clinician's determination of imminent danger to the student or to others.