Consider making a referral when:
- The issue is outside your range of knowledge or expertise
- Helping the student could compromise or change the status of your relationship with the student (perhaps it is too personal)
- The student feels uncomfortable talking with you about the issue
- You feel the differences between you and the student are such that you cannot help him or her
- You feel overwhelmed, overly responsible for and worried about the personal safety of the student
- The student’s behavior is a significant and ongoing disturbance to others
- You are extremely busy or are experiencing stress in your own life and are unable or unwilling to handle the student’s needs
- You have talked to the student and helped as much as you can, but further assistance is needed
- You think that your personal feelings about the student would interfere with your ability to be helpful
- The student admits there is a problem but does not want to talk to you about it
- The student asks for information or assistance, which you are unable to provide
How to approach the student
- Ask to see the student in private
- Speak to the student in a straightforward fashion that shows concern for his or her welfare and focuses on observable behaviors
- Express your concern in a nonjudgmental manner (State what you observed)
- Ask if the student is talking with anyone (friends or family) about the problem, pointing out that isolation is rarely useful when dealing with problems; listen carefully
- Let the student know that counseling is accessible, free and confidential
- Suggest that the student go to the Counseling Center, or call for an appointment while he or she is in your office
- Encourage the student that if counseling didn’t help in the past to try it again
Don’t attempt to coerce or intimidate the student into counseling.