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Referral Guide for Faculty and Staff

 

Greetings from Counseling Services

 

Counseling Services staff has developed a guide and trust that when you need to refer to it you will find information that will be of assistance to you.

Times have changed; students have changed; the nature of the clients seeking assistance has changed. In order to serve students better we have a staff that consists of five full-time professional counselors and occasionally we have intern students.

Counseling Services is located in the Rusk Building, Third Floor. Our telephone number is (936) 468-2401. Appointments may be made in person or by telephone. Counseling Services are provided from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.
We need your help to make students aware of the services which we provide. Thank you for what you do.

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Does this sound familiar?

 

Something is bothering a student. There is that detached look again. Other students are aware of the student’s sensitivity, too, and generally ignore it. Is the problem drugs, family problems, assault, anxiety or pressure to be successful? You know this student needs help. This is one example of the situations college men and women may present to you as a faculty/staff member. But regardless of the situation, you may be asking: "What do I do?"

We suggest that you make an effort to engage him/her in conversation. Encourage him/her to come to your office when you have sufficient time, and when you will not be disturbed by other students. You just may be the one adult who is willing to listen to this student. Of all the techniques used by professional counselors listening, understanding and validating the student’s feelings is regarded as the most productive. You already have the feeling that this student is dealing with some problem that is more serious than that of the average student. If you are willing to move out or your role as "teacher" and for a moment, become a "friend", you may be admitted to his/her world. Your willingness to listen to his/her feelings and thoughts without judgment may very well begin the healing process.

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How can distressed students be recognized?

 

At one time or another, almost everyone feels upset or depressed. When some of the following signs are present, the student is probably in distress.

Changes in Personal Relationships

Undecided or Uncommitted About Educational Direction

Learning Problems

Drug and Alcohol Abuse

Unusual Behavior

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How can a student under stress be helped?

 

There are many ways to cope with stress. Some ways to cope are: eating well, getting enough sleep and proper exercise. Feeling good physically has a lot to do with feeling good emotionally. Ways you can help are:

Suggest the student read self-help books that address the area of life that is causing the stress(many of these books are available in Counseling Services).

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When is it time to refer a student?

 

Referring a person to the appropriate service shows the student that you have his or her best interest in mind. Below is a list of situations when referral should be considered.

Any extreme or disruptive behavior that might be harmful to self or others.

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How is a referral made?

 

When you feel that a student might benefit from professional counseling, it is usually best to express your recommendation to the student in a straightforward manner. Make it clear that this recommendation represents your best judgment based on your observation of the student's behavior. Be very specific regarding the behavior that has raised your concerns and avoid making generalizations or attributing anything negative to the individual's personality or character.

Suggest in a concerned, caring way that the student might profit from talking to someone in Counseling Services. Counseling is free and everything is confidential (to the limits provided by the law). No record is made on an academic transcript or credential file concerning the student's use of Counseling Services. Assure the student that every effort will be made for them to see a specific counselor if there is a preference.

Sometimes, suggesting that a student see a counselor may not meet with his/her approval because the term counselor often carries the "shrink" image. Assure the student that counselors are not psychiatrists and that Counseling Services is open to ALL students. Assuming the student agrees to see a counselor, we suggest that a call be made immediately, even while they are with you, to arrange an appointment. Based on the situation either you or the student can make the initial call. We ask that student make the appointment. The option must be left open for the student to accept or refuse counseling. If the student is skeptical or reluctant for any reason, simply express your acceptance of those feelings so that your own relationship with the student is not jeopardized. Give the student room to consider alternatives by suggesting that perhaps you can talk again after the student has had some time to think it over. If the student emphatically says "No," respect the decision and again leave the situation open for possible discussion later.

If you call our office, identify yourself as a faculty or staff member. If there is a particular counselor that you would prefer the student to see, feel free to request him or her. If the situation is an EMERGENCY, tell the receptionist and THE STUDENT WILL BE SEEN THAT DAY, PROBABLY WITHIN THE HOUR. If you think the situation is an emergency, you may want to walk to Counseling Services (Rusk Building, Third Floor) with the student. Otherwise, ask your student to schedule the appointment.

You may have information about the student that you think is important to share with the counselor. In that case, feel free to contact the counselor privately. The counselor will be happy to speak with you, but will not be able to share any information about the client. Do not question the student for information after he/she has returned from the counseling session. Generally, if you ask if the appointment was kept, the student will volunteer whatever information seems appropriate. Do not expect, in most cases, immediate resolutions of particular symptoms or problems. Changing basic attitudes, values, feelings, or improving academic performance may be a process that takes time.

Once the student agrees that counseling might be useful, there are several possible steps to take, depending on the urgency of the situation and how committed the student is to following through on the referral.

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What happens at Counseling Services?

 

During the student's first visit to Counseling Services, intake information forms are completed. During the first appointment a counselor assesses the student's needs and the way she may be able to help. Options the counselor considers include individual counseling, group counseling or referral to private or community counseling services. Some students may leave the initial appointment feeling able to handle a problem without further assistance. If the student and counselor agree that individual counseling is appropriate, regular weekly appointments are scheduled.

At the busiest times of the year, it may be up to two weeks before initial appointments may be made. Students are encouraged to contact Counseling Services if their level of distress increases prior to scheduled appointments.

Services provided at Counseling Services are free, confidential and not part of their academic record. Information is released only with a student's written permission. Exceptions to confidentiality may occur if there is clear danger to self or others, report of child or dependent adult abuse and in the case of a court order.

If the student is reluctant to see a counselor, you may suggest that he or she go to the Student Health Services to see a physician. Counseling Services can work with the medical staff. If the student refuses any on-campus referrals, we can provide a list of community services (psychologists, psychiatrists, mental health centers, etc.).

Most students who have problems are usually able to function fairly well on a day to day basis. Their behavior may be troublesome but still within the bounds of acceptable behavior. Their need for help may be evident, but not out of control. However, there may be occasions when a student's behavior is so extreme (unable to communicate clearly, disruptive behavior, apparently suicidal, overdosed on drugs, etc.) that it is suggested that you stay with the student and have someone call University Police Department (936) 468-2608. This will set in motion the crisis intervention departments (University Police, Counseling Services and Student Health Services) best equipped to handle the situation you describe.

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What should the student expect in counseling?

 

Students who seek counseling do so because they are experiencing some form of discomfort or dissatisfaction in their personal lives. They may have problems in their relationships with others or concerns about their personal adequacy or competence. Many experience anxiety or depression without really knowing why. At times, students may also experience a lack of career direction. These and many others concerns are common reasons for seeking help at Counseling Services.

Although counselors may differ somewhat in their approaches, there are certain similarities which characterize the helping relationship. In the beginning stage of counseling, the counselor will ask about the concerns to gain a deeper understanding of issues. As counseling proceeds, trust between the student and counselor builds and a working partnership is developed. Using a variety of approaches, the counselor will help to explore feelings, give guidance in making decisions, and help resolve concerns. As the student gains an understanding of themselves and their feelings, the counselor will work with the student to develop and improve life skills. It should be noted that as students work to resolve concerns, stress level may increase temporarily and affect schoolwork, work or relationships.

Counseling Services is provided in an open, honest, and supportive atmosphere. The counselors will respect difficulties and ensure that students receive the best possible treatment.

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What specific services are provided?

 

  1. Individual Counseling
    Relationship problems, low self-esteem, depression, anxiety, suicidal ideations, eating disorders, sexual assault, grief, and family distress. We also have self help books that students can check out of our library.
  2. Group Counseling
    Support groups are available for students. Topics vary by semester. For a list of groups please contact Counseling Services.
  3. Career Counseling
    Exploring the various career choices a student might have. Using two inventories: Strong Interest Inventory and Type Focus. Both are on line inventories. We also have a career library we can utilize. For more information please contact Counseling Services.
  4. Couples Counseling
    Counseling offered to students as long as one of the partners is a student at SFA.
  5. Referral Resources
    A listing of agencies and services to which students can be referred for other specialized services.

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What kind of consultation is available to faculty and staff?

 

If you have concerns and questions about a student, staff members at Counseling Services are available to help you:

A phone number which anyone can access for crisis help, 24 hours a day, seven days a week: 1-800-392-8343. This number accesses the MHMR Crisis Hotline. This is useful for those who are not yet ready to seek help face-to-face, but want the reassurance of someone to call in an emergency. These agencies will then refer to Counseling Services or other agencies as appropriate.

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Emergency referrals

 

If a student expresses a direct threat to self or to others or act in a bizarre, highly irrational, or a disruptive way, stay with the student and have someone call the appropriate office:

911 for any life threatening issue

Counseling Services
Emergency consultation, evaluation, referral
8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. - Monday - Friday
(936)468-2401

University Police (24 hours)
Transportation, protection
(936)468-2608

MHMR Crisis Hotline (24 hours)
Emergency telephone consultation
1-800-392-8343

Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities
Consultation on student conduct
8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
(936)468-2703

Suicide Hotline
1-800-SUICIDE

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