Identifying and Responding to Students in Distress Alicia A Bourque, Ph.D. Director, Counseling & Health Services

Agenda Quick facts about College Mental Health UCC services and trends Counseling indications Disturbing and threatening behavior Confidentiality Q & A

Quick Facts about National Trends in College Students and Mental Health Nearly half of college students report feeling so depressed that they have trouble functioning. Suicide is the second leading cause of death for college students. More students are coming to college with mental health diagnoses. Increased support services provided at a younger age so that academic record is not adversely affected.

UCC Services Individual, couples, and group counseling Substance abuse screenings ADHD evaluations and counseling Limited psychiatric medication management appointments 24/7/365 after hours crisis counseling Accessed via LUPD at 504.865.3434 Outreach programming/Res hall adoption

UCC Trends 20% of Loyola’s student population in any given year Average 3500 appointments per year Anxiety Disorders Mood Disorders (e.g., Depression, Bipolar) ADHD Partner Relational Crises Grief

UCC Response to Increased Demand Daily crisis walk-in hour Suicidal/Homicidal Recent loss Recent trauma Waitlist Community-based referrals Increased group offerings Emotional Wisdom Sexual Assault Survivors

Indications for Counseling Changes in Mood or Behavior Anxiety and Depression References to Suicide Violence and Aggression Traumatic Changes in Personal Relationships Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Academic Problems Excessive Absences Poor Hygiene Crying in class Repeated requests for special accommodations

Identifying and Responding to Disturbing and Disruptive Behavior Can be useful to distinguish between student behavior that is disturbing versus disruptive Behavior can be both disturbing and disruptive Threatening behavior

Identifying Disturbing Behavior A student who jokes in class about killing himself, A student who perspires profusely when giving a talk in front of class, A student who discloses that her mother was diagnosed with terminal cancer, A student who seems to work harder than most students but can’t pass an exam, A student who appears to be losing significant weight yet speaks with pride about how little he/she eats, A student whose writing appears disjointed and fragmented, as though he/she cannot maintain a logical sequence in his/her thought process, A student who reports that FBI agents are following him/her around campus.

Interventions for Disturbing Behavior Initiate a conversation with the student about the behavior that concerns you Listen to the student Consult with other professionals on campus Refer to the Care & Concern Committee Robert Reed, 504.865.3737, rareed@loyno.edu Refer to other professionals on campus Students with suicide risk factors should be referred for professional help

How to Refer Get to know the referral sources Use a direct approach with the student and express your concern for his or her welfare Anticipate some concerns about seeking counseling Create a positive expectation To make an appointment, student can call 504.865.3835 or stop by our office in the Danna Center, second floor, room 208 Leave the option open, except in emergencies, for the student to accept or refuse counseling Ask the student at a later date what action he/she has taken

Threatening Behavior A student who implies or makes a direct threat to harm themselves or others. A student who displays a firearm or weapon. A student who physically confronts/attacks another student. A student who stalks or harasses a faculty member. A student who sends threatening emails, letters, and other correspondence to a staff member.

Interventions for Threatening Behavior Immediately call LUPD at 504.865.3434. Contact Counseling Director for notification, advice and support at 504.865.3835. Consult with the UCC to debrief and assist you, staff members and other students. UCC staff is trained in confidentiality, if you have a concern about sharing information with a counselor, please express it and the counselor can help set the limit.

Quick Facts about the UCC Staffed by four FT professionals and one PT psychiatrist No additional charge to students All counseling services are confidential Hours of operation are Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 4:45 p.m. No session limits Emergency after-hours crisis services are available on-call through LUPD at 504.865.3434, 24/7/365

Confidentiality Professional ethics, state and federal law Faculty members often have an understandable desire to know if a student who has been referred has actually attended and made any progress

Director, Counseling & Health Services Contact Information Q & A Alicia A. Bourque, Ph.D. Director, Counseling & Health Services 504.865.3835 aabourqu@loyno.edu