General Intervention Guidelines

The Depressed Student

The Verbally Aggressive Student

The Suspicious Student

Urgent Assessment

The Suicidal Student

The Violent Student

The Student Who Has Been Sexually Harassed

The Anxious Student

The Demanding Passive Student

The Student in Poor Contact with Reality

The Student Under the Influence

Consultation

Referral to Counseling Services

Useful Numbers

Location:
Building 27,
Room 136

Hours:
8 a.m. - 5 p.m.,
Monday through
Friday

Phone:
(805) 756-2511

Assisting the Emotionally Distressed Student

Guidelines for Interaction

Openly acknowledging to students that you are aware of their distress, that you are sincerely concerned about their welfare, and that you are willing to help them explore their alternatives, can have a profound effect. We encourage you, whenever possible, to speak directly and honestly to a student when you sense that she/he is in academic and/or personal distress.

1. Request to see the student in private. This may help minimize embarrassment and defensiveness.
2. Briefly acknowledge your observations and perceptions of their situation and express your concerns directly and honestly.
3. Listen carefully to what the student is troubled about and try to see the issues from her/his point of view without necessarily agreeing or disagreeing.
4. Attempt to identify the student's problem or concern as well as your own concerns or uneasiness. You can help by exploring alternatives to deal with the problem.
5. Strange and inappropriate behavior should not be ignored. Comment directly on what you have observed.
6. Your flexibility with strict procedures may allow an alienated student to respond more effectively to your concerns.
7. Involve yourself only as far as you want to go. At times, in an attempt to reach or help a troubled student, you may become more involved than time or skill permits.

Extending oneself to others always involves some risk--but it can be a gratifying experience when kept within realistic limits.

Consultation

If you are unsure of how to handle a specific student, we encourage you to consult with one of the counselors on our staff. Call us at (805) 756-2511, inform the receptionist of who you are (faculty, staff, administrator), and ask to speak with one of our counselors. A counselor will return your call shortly. A brief consultation may help you sort out the relevant issues and explore alternative approaches. Overall, when dealing with most students in crisis situations, conveying your concern and willingness to help in any way you can (including referral) is probably the most important thing you can do. Your support, encouragement and reassurance will be particularly valuable to a student in crisis.