Common Concerns, Distress and Helping Others

Whether you are a GGC student, faculty or staff member, you may encounter situations where you would like to refer a student to Counseling and Psychological Services.

Consider the following options when helping someone else.

• Share your concern with the student
• Let the student know what to expect
• Follow up
• Report concern and access additional resources

Share Your Concern with the Student

Let the student know why you are concerned about them. Share your observations about the student's own concerns or behaviors (e.g., "I often hear you mention your worries about...," or "I can tell from our recent conversations that this is worrying you").

• When talking to a student who appears to be in distress, please inquire if the student is having any safety concerns in terms of thoughts of self-harm or harm to others.
• Let the student know what you believe the student will gain from meeting with a counselor (e.g., "I think you might find it helpful to discuss this with someone impartial, someone who can help you sort out your thoughts and feelings," or "This is just the thing to consult with a counselor about – a counselor will know more about this than I do," or "You and I just don't have enough time together to address these concerns the way they deserve, and I think you'd get a lot out of being able to talk them over with someone at greater length").
• If you are concerned that referring the student to Counseling and Psychological Services will be perceived as a rejection, you may wish to reassure the student (e.g., you might say "Even though you will be talking with your counselor about this issue, I want us to keep in touch about how things are going for you”).
• Pick up the phone and offer to make an appointment for the student while the student is there with you. Or offer the phone to the student so that the student can make the appointment themselves, in your company.
• If you are wondering whether or how to bring the issue of a referral up to the student, feel free to call and consult with a counselor about it. We can also provide community referrals for students who prefer to be seen off-campus.

Let the Student Know What to Expect

Let the student know that counselors are here to help all GGC students make the most of their college experience. Be respectful of the student’s cultural assumptions about what it means to speak with a counselor.

• A student can either call or stop by Counseling and Psychological Services to make a first appointment or "initial assessment.” First appointments are typically scheduled one to two weeks from the initial contact request. Appointment wait times may vary depending on appointment availabilities.
• During the first appointment with a counselor, the student will have a chance to discuss the situation or feelings that are troubling the student and what sort of further assistance the student might find helpful. The counselor and student will work together to locate whatever support the student needs, whether it be on or off campus, a brief consultation, ongoing counseling or a specialized treatment program.
• Should a student need immediate support due to a mental health crisis, the student may be eligible for a same day crisis appointment. If the student is experiencing a mental health crisis, the student should make this clear to Counseling and Psychological Services' front desk staff. Immediate mental health support is also available by using the BeWell@GGC support line. Access to this support line connects the student immediately to a crisis counselor and is available to all GGC students 24/7/365.

All client discussions and records at Counseling and Psychological Services are confidential.

Follow Up

Ask the student to follow up with you and let you know how it goes. Tell the student you don't need to know the details, but you would like to hear whether they had an appointment and whether it was helpful. Understand that not all students will choose to share this information with you.

Remember that the student's contact with Counseling and Psychological Services is confidential and no information will be shared without the student's explicit permission, including whether or not the student has been to Counseling and Psychological Services.

Report Concerns

Are you concerned, but unsure how to proceed? In addition to sharing your concern with the student and directing them to help and support, you may feel that your concern merits additional action. You may appropriately direct your concern to the Grizzly Care Team via the incident report form.

This content was adapted from American University’s Counseling Center website, with permission.