Recognizing When a Student Needs More than Academic Support

…And what to do about it!

Karen Ela Kenny, MSW, LICSWDirector, Counseling Center

Kristina Wilson, MSW, LICSWCounselor

2010/2011 Counseling Statistics

228 students seen 156 females, 67 males 65 freshmen, 55 sophomores, 60 juniors, 43 seniors

Issues Depression/Anxiety (85)Stress (28)Relationship difficulties (28)

Referral SourcesSelf (98)

Friends (22)

DOS (37) Res Life (13)

Health Services (37)

Parents (19)

Professors (3)

What we doCrisis Management

115 urgent, same day visits11 Psychiatric medical absences3 psychiatric hospitalization

Brief Intervention ModelCounseling visits range from 1-17, average of 4BASICS – 2 session alcohol

assessment/intervention

How has the student population changed?Advancement of psychiatric medication

Recent study by the American College Counseling Association: 44% of students in counseling have severe psychological disorders and 24% are on psychiatric medication. This is a 16% increase from 2000.

Helicopter parentsWell-meaning but over involved parents

undermine the student’s ability to develop resiliency which will aid them in managing the stress of college life.

Skills necessary to build resiliencyContemplation

Quiet opportunity in their schedule to reflectRegulate emotions

Tolerance of unpleasant emotionsDelay gratification

Develop inner gratificationHealthy competition

Move to peak performance, challenge to find capabilities

What are you likely to notice?Weepiness/crying on more than one occasionLooking unkempt with poor personal hygieneMinimal interaction with peersPoor eye contactBoisterous and bizarre conversationContinued failure after attempts to support

the student academically“You’re the only one who understands me,

can help me”

How to respond/suggest counselingStraightforward approach is best

“I’ve noticed you’ve been struggling with…”

Hearing your concern is powerful“I’m worried about you”

Explain Counseling Center as “someone is there to help talk with you and figure things out”

Offer to walk them over

Other Support ServicesPresentations for RA staff regarding issues

around: Eating disorder Sexual Assault Stress management

Test Anxiety presentationSexual Assault prevention talks with freshmenPresentation to EMS regarding psych issuesAttend Support NetConsultation