Help A Student In Urgent Distress
- Call Counseling Services and ask to speak to a counselor for consultation if you believe a student has a serious need for help now, but no one is in immediate danger.
- If the student is present, tell the student you would like to help and need to get guidance from someone more knowledgeable.
- You may choose to walk a student to Counseling Services for a crisis appointment during normal business hours from 8:30 am to 5 pm. Calling Counseling Services in advance is recommended (434) 223-6411.
- If unable to reach someone in Counseling Services, contact the Dean On Call at (434) 808-2446.
Counseling Services Know the Signs
Help a Student With Non-Urgent Needs
STEP 1: If Not Urgent, Consult
STEP 2: Make Contact
You are not expected to take on the role of counselor. You need only listen, care and offer referral information. Things To Consider:
- Point out specifics you have observed, “I’ve noticed lately…”
- Listen attentively and encourage the student to talk, “Help me understand what you’re going through…”
- Ask the student if they are seeking any help currently or what they believe might be helpful to them.
- Avoid making promises of confidentiality. Confidentiality cannot be kept when a student is making threatening statements about themselves or others or in instances of mandatory Title IX reporting. You can tell a student you will respect their privacy to the extent possible.
STEP 3: Refer
Explain the limitations of your knowledge and experience. You can be clear that referral does not mean that you are not interested and don’t care, rather that you want to get the student help/support they need.
STEP 4: Make a Report
If you are a student, email careteam@hsc.edu; if you are faculty or staff, complete an early alert form.