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Tips for Dealing with Distressed Students
- If there is no immediate threat, speak with the student privately. Please do not promise confidentiality becasue you may find that you need to refer or consult with others regarding the student. Document your conversations.
- Become familiar with TTU and community resources and the kinds
of services they provide.
- Offer a quiet place for the individual to talk.
- Inform the student of your concern in a direct, matter-of-fact
manner. Be specific regarding the behaviors you have observed.
- Listen carefully to the student's concerns
and be sensitive to those that might underlie the present problem
(issues that are unstated, brushed aside, or intimated).
- Explore the student's previous attempts at resolution, such
as what resources have been utilized and what persons or agencies
have been contacted. Ask about the outcome of such action.
- Suggest that the student consider personal counseling. Be honest
and direct about your limitations.
- Contact the Counseling Center (372-3331) for consultation and assistance in responding to the student.
- Propose the referral in a direct and positive manner. Encourage
the student to come to the Counseling Center during our walk-in
hours or to call for an appointment. Our walk-in hours are held
from 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. every Thursday
classes are in session during the fall and spring semesters.
- Except in emergencies, the student should be allowed the option
of declining a referral for counseling.
When to Refer
Consider referring if you notice any signs of distress and
- If you find yourself doing more personal counseling than academic
advising with a student.
- If you feel that you are unable to deal effectively with the
student's issues.
- If you and/or the student are uncomfortable in dealing with
the problem.
- If you are concerned about suicidal risk or threat
of harm (See Emergencies for referral guidelines in such cases).
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