Counseling and Psychological Services

When Parents or Family Are Concerned About Their Student's Behavior

About half of student contact at CAPS is a result of a referral from faculty, staff or fellow students. We rely upon a campus that is sensitive and responsive to the everyday contact through classrooms, living environments and even conversations to guide students to use the resource of counseling in a timely way.

However, parents, family members, or significant others can become aware of changes in their student's patterns or behaviors even from a distance. They may see their student having difficulty in their life at college and want to find a way to help. The following information is offered as help to family/significant others to determine when and how to find such help for their student.

When a Student May Need Counseling

TRAUMA OR CRISIS:

  • Break-up or change in relationship status
  • Loss/illness of family member or close friend
  • Conflict with roommate, friend, family
  • Change in job
  • Victim of assault or abuse

LEARNING PROBLEMS:

  • Lack of confidence
  • Test or speech anxiety
  • Extreme changes in academic performance
  • Poor study habits
  • Confusion over low performance

DRAMATIC SHIFTS IN BEHAVIOR:

  • Changes in appearance
  • Changes in eating, sleeping
  • Sudden withdrawal from people
  • Irritable, angry, emotional outbursts
  • Excessive anxiety, worry, stress reactions

ALCOHOL AND OTHER DRUG ABUSE:

  • Lethargic, lack interest
  • Evidence of excessive use
  • Non-social behavior such as lying, stealing
  • Nonfunctional behavior such as passing out, missing classes, not going to job

SUICIDAL OR DESPAIRING REFERENCE:

Statements that could have suicide reference or any concern about any self-harming behavior - see more information about warning signs. If there are immediate concerns about the student’s safety, call 911. More resources.

HOW TO MAKE A REFERRAL

You may wish to consult with a CAPS staff member concerning the possibility of referral or you may directly suggest going to CAPS as a resource to the student.

  • BE DIRECT AND STRAIGHT FORWARD in your recommendation. Tell the student specific reasons (such as their behavior or statements) that give you concern about them, and tell them how they can make contact with a counselor.
  • BE CLEAR. If it is your recommendation and judgment that counseling assistance would be helpful, it is still important to allow the student a sense of control in making the decision to talk about a problem without undue pressure. In most cases, letting the student initiate and follow through in making a counseling appointment is preferred.
  • DEALING WITH RESISTANCE. In some cases the evidence of a problem situation is overwhelming, yet the person is adamant in their denial or does not follow through with counseling while the problem persists. In these situations we suggest that you talk with your student about other campus resources that they are willing to use, such as Student Support and Accountability, an academic coach, or Lafene Health Center. When a student starts using one resource, that office will refer the student to other resources.
  • EMERGENCY. In a few situations a student might be in urgent crisis and you may have serious concern about the student's personal safety (danger to self or others) and ability to function (rationality, impaired judgment). If there is imminent danger to the student, call 911. More resources.
  • FOLLOW UP WITH THE STUDENT. This shows your concern and interest and it can avoid making counseling seem taboo by avoiding the topic later. However, since referral often involves personal information, honoring the student's privacy also is important by determining the appropriate time and place to hold discussion.
  • CONFIDENTIALITY. Please understand that the student is in control of information concerning whether they are being seen and what they discuss if they are over the age of 18. A CAPS counselor or any mental health professional is bound by legal and ethical concerns not to reveal this type of information to anyone without the individual's written consent. We suggest you ask the student directly if they followed up with your referral and made contact with CAPS or a counselor.