How to Identify, Help, and Refer Distressed Students University Counseling Center Saint Liam Hall 631-7336
Today’s Goals Recognize signs of distress Feel empowered to express your concerns directly Learn how to refer to appropriate resources
Video http://ucc.nd.edu/referring-students-to-ucc/
Tips for Recognizing Distressed Students
Pay Attention to Your Own Reactions
How can you tell Who is OK... …and Who is Not?
Signs of Distress
Emotional Changes: Sad Angry/Irritable Anxious Withdrawn Confused Unusually Elated
Physical Changes: Disordered Eating Sleep Patterns Appearance Hygiene Tiredness Complaints of headaches or stomach problems Weight Gain/Loss
Behavioral Changes: Frequent absences Decline in quality of academics Inability to sit through classes Disruptive Behavior Repeated requests for special accommodations Suicidal or homicidal themes in papers
Risk Factors Lack of support Giving away possessions Expressions of a suicidal or homicidal nature Self-injuring or self-destructive Threats Out of control Sexual assault Secretive Illness Grief/Loss Substance Use
How To Interact With a Distressed Student Schedule Private Meeting Express Genuine Concern Share Observations Listen Well Consider Consultation with UCC
Making a Referral to UCC Normalize Inform about confidentiality
Making a Referral to UCC How to schedule an appointment Open M-F, 8:30-5 Can call (631-7336) or walk-in What to expect Intake Assignment to services Crisis Intervention if needed
Making a Referral to UCC If it is a crisis… Call UCC to consult Consider walking student over to UCC Crisis examples Risk of harm Disabling emotional distress After-Hours Urgent Crisis Line: 631-7336
Making a Referral to UCC If the student refuses Respect choice Encourage to try one session or take time to think it over Give UCC number (631-7336) and web address (ucc.nd.edu) Follow-up Check with student Request student to sign a release of information at UCC
Let’s Talk Brief Consultation/Support Service Walk-in Free and Confidential Three Sites -Lafortune -Fitzpatrick Hall -Coleman-Morse
University Counseling Center Third Floor, Saint Liam Hall Appointment Hours 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. 631-7336 ucc.nd.edu