Referring Students For Help:
A Guide For BSU Faculty and Staff

Welcome

The Bridgewater State University Counseling Center’s primary goal is to promote the personal growth and academic success of all BSU students. The Counseling Center is available to all currently enrolled students. The Center offers short-term psychotherapy, crisis intervention, group therapy, referrals and resources to clients. The center also offers workshops, trainings, and consultations to the campus community. 

As a faculty member, staff member, or advisor, you are in a unique position to recognize and assist students who could benefit from a referral to the Counseling Center. Your frequent contact with students may make you among the first to notice concerning changes in their behaviors or classroom performance.  The information provided here will assist you in identifying students in need of additional support, and offer suggestions for helping students connect with the Counseling Center.
 

When To Refer

  •  A student presents a problem or requests information which is outside your range of knowledge.

  •  You feel that personality differences that cannot be resolved between you and the student will interfere with your ability to help the student.

  •  A student is reluctant to discuss a problem with you for some reason. 

  •  You do not believe your conversations with the student have been effective.

  •  Any time you think a student’s needs exceed what you are willing or able to provide.

Reasons for Referral

The BSU Counseling Center offers support to students presenting with a wide variety of problems ranging from developmental and transition issues (such as coping with college life) to more severe mental health concerns (such as major depression). Some of the most common issues for which our students seek counseling are:

  •   Academic difficulties                                                                                                

  •   Relationship/roommate issues

  •   Adjustment/transition to college

  •   Homesickness

  •   Anxiety

  •   Depression

  •   Suicidality

  •   LBGTQ issues

You may become aware of a student’s struggles with family obligations, romantic relationships, academic failures, or major mental illness. Often students choose to write about their lives for class assignments, or personal information will be shared during class discussion. A student may contact you by email and share concerning thoughts and feelings. Or, indirectly through classroom observations, you may notice an increased withdrawal from classroom participation, poor hygiene, excessive absences, poor concentration, or unusual interactions with peers. In many cases, it will be sufficient to talk with a student and share your concerns in an honest, specific, and straightforward manner. Referral to the Counseling Center would be appropriate for students that present with any of the issues listed in this brochure, although the list is not exhaustive.

Initial Contact and Follow-up 

Help the student understand that a referral to the BSU Counseling Center does not contradict your expression of concern or willingness to provide support, but reflects your desire to assist the student in contacting appropriate University resources. In this regard, should the student’s problem seem acute, you may offer to make an appointment, with the student’s permission, while the student is present. Whether the appointment is made by you or the student, a call to the BSU Counseling Center should inform the receptionist of the level and nature of the problem. This information will be of use in matching the student’s need to an appropriate therapist and appointment time. Also let the student know that you would be interested in learning whether the referral was helpful. Such a request will underscore your concern and wish to remain in contact. Without the student’s written consent, the law prohibits us from acknowledging whether we have met with a student. Therefore, if you wish to follow-up with the Counseling Center after your referral, please make sure to talk with the student about obtaining a signed release of information.
 

What Can You Do:

  • Once you have identified a student of concern there are many approaches you can take. Here are some ways to discuss your concerns with a student:

  • Arrange to speak with a student in private (keep in mind safety issues).

  • Express concern.  Be specific about your observations and reasons for concern.

  • Respect the student's values and beliefs.  Avoid criticizing or sounding judgmental.

  • Listen carefully; paraphrasing back to the student.

  • Acknowledge that you are willing to help explore resources.

  • Express interest in referring the student to the Counseling Center, if appropriate.

  • Inform the student that Counseling Center services are confidential and available at no extra charge.

  • Offer to call the Center with the student present or accompany the student to our office to set up an appointment.

Occasionally a student may present with behaviors or statements that need immediate attention. In these emergency situations, you should get help immediately:

  • Expression of suicidal thoughts

  • Expression of homicidal thoughts

  • Severe loss of emotional control

  • Gross impairment of thinking ability

  • Loss of connection with reality  

  • Bizarre behavior

You can contact the Counseling Center during regular business hours at 508.531.1331, Monday–Friday  8:30—4:30, or contact University Police by calling 911 from a campus phone or 508.531.1212. It is always prudent to consult your Department Chair regarding departmental procedures or protocols, as well.  

Assisting a Reluctant Student

  •   Acknowledge and discuss the student’s fears and concerns about seeking help from a counselor.

  •   Remind the student that counseling sessions are strictly confidential.

  •   Remind the student that counseling at the Counseling Center is free of charge.

  •   Point out that a situation does not have to reach crisis proportions in order to benefit from professional help.

  •   Offer to accompany the student to the Counseling Center or make a phone call together.

  •   Suggest that the student visit our web page for information about our  counseling services and additional resources.

Remember that, except in cases of emergency, the decision whether to accept a referral to counseling rests with the student. If the student refuses the idea of counseling, it's usually best not to push. Suggest that the two of you explore the matter again some time in the future.

Contact Information:

BSU Counseling Center-508.531.1331

 BSU Police-508.531.1212

 or 911 in emergency from a campus phone.     

 Student Affairs-508.531.1276

 

Last Modified: November 28, 2011