HELPING STUDENTS IN DISTRESS CRISIS COUNSELING SERVICES HELPING STUDENTS IN DISTRESS Carol Kimbrough, MA, MFT Clinical Supervisor March 2016

HELPING THE STUDENT IN DISTRESS Students encounter a wide range of problems and responsibilities as they complete their studies at Hartnell. Some bring emotional problems with them. Many serious psychological problems have a typical onset during college-age years.

CRISIS: anything that interferes with academic success. We know that many students attempt to cope with studies, full-time jobs and raising children while they attend Hartnell. Many feel overwhelmed, depressed, anxious, and hopeless. A high percentage of our students are the first in their family to attend college; although the family system may support the concept of college, the reality of college life may not be understood by family members.

Crisis Counseling Services Suicide is a major threat to college-age young adults. There are a number of reasons why our students may come to feel helpless and hopeless: Break up of a close relationship or marriage Difficulties in interpersonal relationships with family or close friends Worry about grades or failure in life Concerns over physical appearance and personal attractiveness Loss of support systems Pessimistic about the future and achieving life goals Compounding and disorienting effects of drugs and/or alcohol Just feeling lonely, isolated or abandoned

Traumatic Issues There are a number of issues that can be extremely traumatic and precipitate an emotional crisis: Assault, rape Unexpected pregnancy Abuse Alcohol or drug abuse Eating disorders Anxiety Anger management HIV diagnosis or serious illness Death of a family member or friend Divorce or separation

Crisis Counseling Services Free and confidential counseling services provided to enrolled students Five Marriage & Family Therapist (MFT) or Clinical Social Worker (CSW) interns provide counseling services Appointment basis and walk-in hours Services often help students stay enrolled in their academic programs Screening for students who may pose a threat to themselves or others Interventions for students referred by Student Life or Student Affairs Work under supervision of licensed MFT/ Hartnell full-time faculty

Need for Additional Office Space Five interns plus one supervisor > 3 offices Direct student services Documentation/process notes (client files) required by law File storage (confidential) Individual supervision and case review Research and client advocacy for community referrals Maintain a safe, quiet confidential “waiting area” Reduce wait list (emergencies don’t wait!)

Hartnell Strategic Priorities #1, Student Success Services help to keep students enrolled in classes rather than dropping out Compliance with state and federal mandates for mental health support for college students Mentioned in SSSP, SEP College Plans #6, Partnerships with Industry, Business, Agencies, and Education Partnerships with Brandman University, CSUMB and other graduate programs for MFTs and LCSWs Development of local work force after licensure

Questions???? Thank you!!! Carol Kimbrough, ckimbrough@hartnell.edu Crisis Counseling Services 24-hour voicemail: 770-7019 D-123, -124, -126