Referring a Student to Counseling

The responsibility of referral is not an easy one. it requires that you learn when and how to refer students, as well as knowing sources of referral. The list below clearly implies that you develop an awareness of your own limitations regarding the type of information and assistance you can give. The key is not to be afraid to try to help others, but nonetheless to realize that misinformation helps no one, and can even be more detrimental than no information at all.

You should refer a person WHEN:

1. A person presents a problem beyond your competency level or requests information you don't have available.
2. Your values or emotions prevent you from being an effective helper.
3. Personality differences between you and the person prevent you from being an effective resource.
4. The person is a close personal friend or family member with whom you would be uncomfortable or embarrassed to discuss the problem, or with whom you could not be objective.
5. You sense that the person is unable or unwilling to discuss the problem with you.
6. You have not been successful in helping the person to work through his/her problems previously.
7. Is very depressed or suicidal.
8. There has been a loss or death in the family.
9. Pregnancy.
10. Sexual assault.
11. Repeated intoxication.

Once the decision has been made to refer a student, here are a few tips concerning HOW to refer:

1. Be familiar with the person to whom you are referring the student. You must feel confident of that professional's abilities or you will not be able to "promote" the idea of referral.
2. Be certain that the student understands the reason for the referral. He or she should feel confident that it is being made in their best interest. For example, "Joe, I don't feel qualified to give you the best options possible. There is a counselor at Student Counseling who I think could be of more help to you" or "Jill, I want you to get the best assistance possible and I don['t have the training. The counselors at Student Counseling are more than willing to meet with you."
3. It can be helpful to offer to go with the person for the initial contact. Some students will feel more comfortable making the contact themselves, but if in doubt, at least ask if you can be helpful.
4. Follow up on the referral: often by merely inquiring as to whether or not the student kept their appointment, they will volunteer information. Other times students may offer nothing; accept this and do not pry.