Consultations

A consultation may help you sort out your concerns about a student's personal difficulties; discuss whether and/or how to refer the student to the Counseling Center; explore alternative approaches; and manage emergencies.

If you wish to get information about a specific student who is a Counseling Center client, we must first obtain a signed release of confidentiality form from the client.  If this is the case:

• Tell the student you wish to consult us
• Ask him/her to sign a release form at the Counseling Center

Meet Our Staff

Click here to view a staff listing.

Referral Guidelines for Faculty

• Explain that the Counseling Center is for all students
• You are always free to consult us, to strategize about the specific referral
• Assure student of confidentiality (not shared with parents, faculty, or RA’s)
•  Refer to the Counseling Center – not to a specific counselor
  • Specific counselor may not have the expertise needed
  • Student may assume other counselors are  “second best”
  • It may be a longer wait matching schedule with a specific counselor
  • Student may request a male or female when they schedule appointment 
• Once the student contacts the Center, all information is confidential (including whether they have come in)
  • If you urgently need to know whether a student has come in, alert us (94050) before the student sees us, and we will request they sign a waiver
  • If you think there is high enough risk (not just discomfort) that a same day appointment is necessary, alert the counseling center in advance (94050)
• Explain what is likely to happen in counseling
  • Counselor will help you think about your emotions and will strategize with you about how to feel in control
  • Understanding emotions is the first step toward feeling less overwhelmed
  • It’s up to the student whether to continue counseling – so they need not avoid it for fear they will be “forced” to continue
  • Express your interest in student letting you know “how it goes,” adding that the Counseling Center will not be sharing with the professor
• Describe specific aspects of the Counseling Center
  • Male and female counselors
  • Location – Health Services Building - also houses Student Health (thus entering the building does not imply that they are seeking counseling)
  • Confidential
  • Hours by appointment 9-5 Monday-Friday
  • After hours call Student Health (94070), Public Safety (94444) or contact Resident Assistant
  • Voluntary – they will never be “called in” for counseling
  • Free
• Consider having the student schedule the appointment from your office
• Communicate your continued concern – but avoid asking specifics after the referral
  • You may become more involved than is best for the student or you
  • The boundaries get confused:  you are grading the student