Helping Students in Crisis

Helping Students in Distress

Faculty and staff are often in the position to identify students in crisis or distress. The best interventions often requires a team approach and the Counseling Center is committed to working with faculty and staff who have concerns about a student. If you are concerned about a student, but are unsure about how to approach them, please call us at 410-951-3939 for a consultation.

When to Refer a Student

These signs may be an indication you should refer a student to the Counseling Center:

• Abrupt changes in behavior, including a dramatic decrease in academic functioning
• Isolation from others
• Noticeable changes in mood, such as depression, apathy, or irritability
• Poor class attendance
• Sudden outburst of anger
• Alcohol and abuse
• Marked changes in personal hygiene or appearance
• Inappropriate crying
• Bizarre statements or behavior
• Suicidal statements

How to Refer a Student 

Raising the issue of counseling can be an uncomfortable task. When possible, offer your suggestion for counseling in a way that is honest, non-threatening and expresses support and concern.

If you are concerned about a student and would like to refer them to the Counseling Center:

1. Talk to the student in private if you feel safe doing so
2. Assist the student with scheduling an appointment by calling from your office with the student present
3. If possible, walk the student to the CCSD
4. If the student resists help and you are worried, contact the CCSD to discuss your concerns

Some additional suggestions include:

• Be mindful of the student’s privacy
• Listen carefully; show concern and interest
• Avoid criticizing or sounding judgmental
• Suggest the CCSD as a resource
• Explain that counseling services at the CCSD are confidential

Urgent Referrals

If the situation is urgent enough to require immediate attention, call 410-951-3939 during regular office hours and let us know the situation is urgent. Students in crisis can be seen the same day to manage the crisis or be referred, as appropriate.

We consider a situation to be an emergency when there is:

• imminent danger of physical harm to self and/or others
• disabling emotional distress (e.g., insomnia, uncontrollable crying, agitation), and/or
• gross impairment in thinking, behavior, etc.

After regular office hours, please contact Campus Police at 410-951-3900. If you feel there is immediate danger to the student, yourself, or someone else, call 911 immediately.

Confidentiality

Due to confidentiality laws, the Center for Counseling and Student Development cannot share any information about a student without a written release giving specific permission to do so. The Center's staff can answer general questions about making referrals, offer information about mental health concerns and problems in general, and take information from you about a student.

During the initial visit, students are given the opportunity to sign a Release of Information which allows the Counseling Center to verify that they are receiving help at the Center. Because the student has the right not to sign the release, it is always a good idea to follow up with them after the referral is made.