DEALING
WITH A DISTRESSED STUDENT:
A
REFERRAL GUIDE FOR FACULTY AND STAFF
Phone:
(423) 439-4841
Office:
D.P.
Culp
Center
340
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Senior Staff |
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Dr. Davis Smith,
Interim Director |
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Kim Bushore-Maki,
Outreach Coordinator |
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Dr. Jan Henley,
Counseling Psychologist |
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Diana Kuehl, Counselor |
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About the
Counseling
Center
The
ETSU
Counseling
Center
provides a wide range of psychological
services, including career and short-term personal counseling.
Any full or part-time student, currently enrolled at ETSU, is eligible
to receive counseling services. These
services are free of charge and
confidential.
Our hours of operation are
8:00am - 4:30pm
(Monday through Friday) Some evening
hours typically are available during the fall and spring semesters.
The
Counseling
Center
staff is comprised of highly qualified
professionals (two licensed psychologists and two master=s
level counselor). When
appropriate, graduate trainees may also provide counseling under the direct
supervision of our senior staff. Residents
from the Department of Psychiatry are also available two days per week to
provide psychiatric services.
Identifying Students
Who May Benefit From a Referral
The following behavioral
indicators may help in identifying a student who is distressed and might
benefit from counseling services:
Marked Changes in
Academic Performance or Behavior
*
Poor performance or preparation
*
Excessive absences or tardiness
*
Avoiding participation
*
Excessive anxiety when called upon, giving a speech, or taking a test
*
Exaggerated or inappropriate emotional response to an event/situation
Unusual Behavior or
Appearance
*
Depressed or lethargic mood (head down, avoidance of eye contact)
*
Hyperactivity or very rapid speech
*
Swollen or red eyes
*
Change in personal hygiene or dress
*
Unkempt appearance
*
Dramatic weight loss or gain
*
Strange or bizarre behavior indicating loss of contact with reality
Talking About Suicide,
Homicide or Death
*
Overt references to suicide or off-handed remarks about suicide (even if said
jokingly)
*
Feelings of hopelessness or helplessness
*
Isolation from friends or family
*
Homicidal threats or off-handed threatening remarks
Alcohol or Drug Abuse
*
Coming to class or meetings intoxicated
*
Missing classes due to hangover
*
Engaging in high-risk or violent behavior while intoxicated
Stating a Need For Help
Students
may directly tell you about their feelings of stress, confusion, sadness,
hopelessness, anxiety, etc. They
may look to you for answers or direction.
How To Make a Referral
For Psychological Counseling
*
Do not attempt to make a referral when a student is too upset or confused to listen to you. Simply stay
with the student and wait until he/she has calmed down enough to listen and respond to your suggestions.
*
Be direct in letting the student know that you believe that he/she would benefit
from meeting with a professional counselor.
*
Inform the student that the services are strictly confidential, are
provided by experienced
and credentialed professionals, and are a benefit of being a student at the university (i.e. are free to the student).
*
Don=t
force the issue if the student is defensive or resistant to your suggestion.
Simply restate your position
and explore any
misconceptions about counseling. People
are often hesitant to seek counseling, particularly if they perceive a
stigma associated with counseling. Let the
student know that going to the Center does not imply that
he/she is “weak” or “crazy.”
*
If the student is receptive, you can suggest that he or she call for an
appointment (439-4841). The student can
call from your office/room if comfortable doing so.
* A
student can arrange an initial appointment either by just coming by the Center
during our walk-in hours (
10am-12pm
/
2pm-4pm
) or by scheduling an appointment.
It is usually best if the student makes these arrangements rather than your
doing it for them.
*
It is sometimes helpful to offer to accompany the individual to the first
session, particularly if the student is distraught, but this should be the student=s
decision.
*
If the student is in serious crisis (highly distraught, in jeopardy of harming
self or others), call the
Counseling
Center
immediately and let a staff member know the urgency of the situation. We give such situations top priority.
*
If you are ever uncertain how to handle a situation, please call us.
One of our staff
members will be happy to consult with you.
Comments About
Confidentiality
The
Counseling
Center
staff are under legal and ethical obligation to
keep counseling information confidential. This
means that we cannot tell anyone, including faculty or staff, if a student is
receiving counseling services. There
are only two situations in which we would be able to disclose information to
you: 1) if the student=s
physical safety or the physical safety of others is at risk; 2) when the student
gives us written permission to communicate with you.
If you would like feedback regarding the student, express that wish to
the counselor and he/she will ask the student for permission to communicate with
you.
Emergency Services
When emergencies occur
outside of our normal operating hours, call Public Safety:
439-4480. The officers have experience working with students in
crisis. If the situation warrants,
Public Safety will notify a
Counseling
Center
staff member, who will respond to the situation.
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