Faculty members are frequently the first to observe that a student is troubled or has problematic behavior. Students might seem depressed, withdrawn, anxious, or angry.
Sometimes, he/she may appear to be agitated, overwhelmed, or seriously distracted. There is decreased attendance and quality of class work and/or assignment completion. Occasionally, students may demonstrate atypical, inappropriate or bizarre behavior or responses on exams or class assignments. All these are current signs and symptoms of psychological distress and warrant a telephone call to a psychologist at the Counseling Center if not a direct referral to the counseling center. With a student’s consent, faculty might consider escorting a student to the Counseling Center. Faculty intervention is a key and critical component in preventing a psychological crisis or campus emergency.
When to consider a referral?
- You have questions or concerns about a student's mental state and/or behavior.
- The student's problems or demands are beyond your role and it appears the student might need professional help.
- The student approaches you for immediate help and requests that you help with an appointment.
If you consider the situation to be an emergency, immediately contact the Counseling Center at 212 650 8222. An emergency is a suicidal or homicidal behavior, emotional or violent outbursts or psychosis. If the Counseling Center is closed, faculty needs to call Public Safety a (212) 650 7777 for quick intervention.
Communication between the counselor and student is always confidential unless the student signs a consent release for disclosure of information to a specific person (s), such as a faculty or staff member, coach, or parent.
Last Updated: 07/30/2015 09:46