Faculty/Administration Referral Guide

What services does the counseling center provide?
The Counseling Center offers individual and group counseling on educational and personal matters. We typically see members of the University family who:

• are experiencing academic difficulties and are or may possibly be learning disabled
• want to discuss and resolve problems of a personal nature
• need referral sources

In addition, the Counseling Center offers educational workshops to classes and groups.

When is professional counseling beneficial?

• Stated need for help: The desire for assistance may be stated directly or indirectly. Listening involves hearing the way things are being said, noticing the tone used and observing the gestures employed.
  
  
• References to suicide: If a colleague or student talks about or alludes to details of how, when or where they might be contemplating suicide, immediate referral is necessary.
  
  
• Changes in mood or behavior: Actions which are inconsistent with an individual's normal behavior may indicate psychological distress such as anxiety and depression.
  
  
• Changes in academic performance: Personal issues may play a role in a drastic drop in academic performance and class attendance.
  
  
• Retention issues: Students who are considering dropping out of school, contemplating a transfer to another institution or worrying about academic failure may find counseling useful during decision making.

How to Refer
When you have determined that an individual might benefit from professional counseling, it is best to speak to them in a straightforward manner that will show your concern for their welfare, i.e. "I'm concerned about you, you might want to speak with a counselor in the Counseling Center." Encourage them to call us or come directly to the Center for an appointment.

Tips on Referring a Student

• Use a direct approach and express concerns for his/her welfare. Do not attempt to deceive or trick a student into seeking counseling. Be specific regarding the behaviors that you see in the student that cause you concern.
  
  
• Anticipate the student's concerns and fears about counseling. Specifically address their concerns (see suggestions in the next section).
  
  
• Create a positive expectation of how counseling can help. Leave the option for counseling open, except in emergencies, for the student to accept or refuse the referral. If the student is reluctant for whatever reason, express your accept- ance of those feelings so you can maintain your own relationship with the student.
  
  
• Give the student an opportunity to consider other alternatives by suggesting that they may need some time to think it over. If the student refuses counseling at this time, respect that decision and leave the situation open for possible referral at a later time.
  
  
• Ask the student at a later date what action they took. Even if the student did not take your suggestion, your concern for their well being will be appreciated.

Students' Concern About Counseling
Due to many reasons, students often have concerns about seeking counseling and if these concerns are not directly discussed they may prevent a student from seeking the help they need.

Concern: Only crazy people go to counseling (and I'm not crazy).
Response: I don't think you're crazy. People go to counseling for all kinds of reasons and the St. John's University Counseling Center is equipped to address many different issues.

Concern: Going for counseling is a sign of weakness. It shows I can't handle my own problems.
Response: You are capable of handling most of your problems. There are some, however, that are difficult to handle alone. Recognizing when you need help, and then getting it, is a sign of good problem-solving skills.

Concern: Counseling won't work for me. It's not effective.
Response: There are no guaranteed results, that is true. There is a high probability that counseling can be helpful. It has worked for a large number of students and it could work for you. Give it a try.

Concern: I tried it before and it didn't work.
Response: Your past experience was not a good one for you, but you are in a different place now and you will be talking with different people. You shouldn't base past experiences on new opportunities.

Concern: I'm afraid that my parents/dean will find out.
Response: What you share with the counselor is strictly confidential. Information is not released to anyone (parents, friends, relatives, teachers) without your permission.

Confidentiality Statement
All contacts with the Counseling Center are confidential with certain ethical and legal restrictions.

Location/Hours
Marillac Hall, Room 130
Mon/Tues -  8 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Wed - 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Thurs - 8 a.m. - 7 p.m. 
Fri - 8 a.m. - 3 p.m.

To schedule an appointment call (718) 990-6383 or come directly to the Center.