Students in Distress: Guidelines for Intervention and Referrals Mary Anne Knapp, MSW, LCSW Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) 501 Student Health Center

Students in Distress: Guidelines for Faculty & Staff Interventions n The Importance of Your Role w/ Students n College Student Issues/Distress n The Center for Counseling and Psych Services (CAPS) n Tips for Recognition n Guidelines for Intervention/Referral n Dealing with Specific Situations n Evaluation and Ending

Young Adult/College Context n Pressures for Academic Performance n Overwhelming Life Changes n Financial Issues n Limited Social Support Network n Losses/Traumas n Identity Issues n Lifestyle/Body Abuse n Limits of Current Coping Skills/Strategies n Development of Disorders in Adulthood

Penn State Counseling Contacts at University Park CAPS n students per year for clinical assessment and treatment n Up to 16,000 clinical contacts per year n 5000 outreach contacts with students including programs & postventions following crises/deaths on campus

Center for Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) Office: 501 Student Health Center Hours: Mon-Fri 8 am.-5pm. Phone:

Center for Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) n Initial Interview-Appt. and Crisis n Individual Short Term Counseling n Couples Short Term Counseling n Group Therapy- 25 groups/semester n Psychiatric Services (Medication Evals) n Outreach Services-Workshops n Consultation n Referrals

CAPS GROUPS n General Interpersonal Therapy Groups n Women’s and Men’s Therapy n Depression Group n Stress Management Group n Anxiety Group n ADHD Support group n Recovery Groups n Discussion/Support Groups

Recovery Groups n Substance Abuse n Eating Disorders n Sexual Assault n Grief and Loss

Discussion/Support Groups n LGBT Graduate Therapy Group n Students of Color Support Group n International Student Group n Blended Heritage Discussion Group n Dialogues About Race Groups

Center for Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) n Initial Interview- Appts. & Crisis n Individual Short-term Counseling n Group Therapy n Psychiatric Services n Outreach Services-Workshops n Consultation n Referrals - Campus and Private

CRISIS RESOURCES n CENTER FOR COUNSELING AND PSYCHOLOGICAL SERVICES (CAPS) Mon- Fri 8 am - 5 pm n CENTRE COUNTY CAN HELP LINE24 hr n 911- For emergency Police/Ambulance n Police Services on Campus n Judicial Affairs

TIPS for Recognizing Distressed Students Use your senses to pick up observable cues.

Areas of Observation n Difficulty with Academic &/or Social Functioning n Unusual Behaviors and Appearance n References to Stressful Life Events n References to Suicide, Homicide or Death

Difficulties with Academic & Social Functioning n Absences n Withdrawal n Excessive anxiety re performance n Disruptive behavior

Unusual Behavior or Appearance n Depressed mood or functioning n Hyperactivity or pressured speech n Deterioration in hygiene or self care n Dramatic weight loss or gain n Strange or bizarre behavior/Loss of contact with reality n Problems with boundaries &expectations n Observable Signs of injury

References to Stressful Life Events n Experiencing death of a significant other n Experiencing a sexual or physical assault n Experiencing discrimination/alienation n Experiencing legal difficulties n Any problem or situation viewed as a loss

References to Suicide, Homicide or Death n Overwhelming hopelessness & helplessness n References to suicide or self harm n References to homicide or assaultive behaviors n Isolation/withdrawal

General Intervention Guidelines

Basic Helping Skills n Structuring the Contact n Passive Listening and Attending n Active Listening-Reflections and Clarifying Questions n Expressions of Support, Feedback and Validation- “I” messages, Sharing Information n Defining Limits and Making Referrals

General Intervention Guidelines n Arrange for a private place and a time when you won’t be interrupted n If you initiate the contact, express concerns in a behavioral and non- judgmental way. n Let the student talk. n Listen for both content and feelings.

Intervention (continued) n Give Realistic Hope. Help student know their options and resources and assure them that things can get better. n Avoid a judging, distant or critical style n Maintain clear and consistent boundaries and expectations n Suggest and Normalize referral

Intervention (continued) n Be sensitive to timing-Is this a crisis? n Escalate and Facilitate as needed n Prepare the student for what to expect n Arrange a time to follow-up n Consult when in doubt about an intervention

Dealing with Specific Situations

Suicide n If someone alludes to suicide or you aren’t sure, It’s important to follow-up and ask. “Has this reached a point where you feel so badly you have thought of suicide?” n If suicidal, Refer for Help and Escalate as needed: Voluntary through CAPS or CAN HELP (24 hr crisis) or Involuntary through Judicial Affairs or Police Services.

Danger to Others n If someone is making vague threats, it’s important to follow up and ask if they are serious. n Refer and Escalate as needed. n Voluntary intervention through Police intervention depending on the extent and immediacy

CRISIS RESOURCES n CENTER FOR COUNSELING AND PSYCHOLOGICAL SERVICES (CAPS) Mon- Fri 8 am - 5 pm n CENTRE COUNTY CAN HELP LINE 24 hr n 911- Emer.-Police/Ambulance n Judicial Affairs n Police Services on Campus

The End View Students in Distress workshop on the web: