Making a Referral

Make a referral when:

• The problem is more serious than you are comfortable handling.
• You are extremely busy, or experiencing stress in your own life
• You have talked with the student already and you feel that he/she may need more help
• The student admits there is a problem, but doesn’t want to talk about it
• The student asks for information and assistance that you are unable to provide

Remember

• You cannot force a student to seek professional help; do not try to coerce, threaten or use artifice, however well-intentioned, to persuade a student to come to the KCC or any other mental health resource.
• Be honest and straightforward
• Accept that a student may not be ready to seek help
• Reassure the student that the counseling center can help with a wide range of difficulties. Counseling does not mean a person is crazy. A student does not have to know what is wrong to seek help; clarifying issues and feeling is part of the help we offer. Ask the student if he/she would like you to call the counseling center to initiate the referral.

Consult

The staff at the Kean Counseling Center is available to discuss with you any problems, and how to deal with a student or difficult situation. This may include giving information about University and/or community resources.