Students in Distress: Guidelines for Intervention and Referrals

Mary Anne Knapp, MSW, LCSWCounseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) 501 Student Health Center 814-863-0395

Students in Distress: Guidelines for Faculty & Staff Interventions The Importance of Your Role w/ Students College Student Issues/Distress The Center for Counseling and Psych

Services (CAPS) Tips for Recognition Guidelines for Intervention/Referral Dealing with Specific Situations Evaluation and Ending

Young Adult/College Context

Pressures for Academic Performance Overwhelming Life Changes Financial Issues Limited Social Support Network Losses/Traumas Identity Issues Lifestyle/Body Abuse Limits of Current Coping Skills/Strategies Development of Disorders in Adulthood

Penn State Counseling Contactsat University Park CAPS 2500 + students per year for clinical

assessment and treatment Up to 16,000 clinical contacts per

year 5000 outreach contacts with

students including programs & postventions following crises/deaths on campus

Center for Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS)

Office: 501 Student Health Center

Hours: Mon-Fri 8 am.-5pm.

Phone: 863-0395

Center for Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) Initial Interview-Appt. and Crisis Individual Short Term Counseling Couples Short Term Counseling Group Therapy- 25 groups/semester Psychiatric Services (Medication Evals) Outreach Services-Workshops Consultation Referrals

CAPS GROUPS

General Interpersonal Therapy Groups Women’s and Men’s Therapy Depression Group Stress Management Group Anxiety Group ADHD Support group Recovery Groups Discussion/Support Groups

Recovery Groups

Substance Abuse Eating Disorders Sexual Assault Grief and Loss

Discussion/Support Groups

LGBT Graduate Therapy Group Students of Color Support Group International Student Group Blended Heritage Discussion Group Dialogues About Race Groups

Center for Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) Initial Interview- Appts. & Crisis Individual Short-term Counseling Group Therapy Psychiatric Services Outreach Services-Workshops Consultation Referrals - Campus and Private

CRISIS RESOURCES

CENTER FOR COUNSELING AND PSYCHOLOGICAL SERVICES (CAPS) Mon- Fri 8 am - 5 pm

CENTRE COUNTY CAN HELP LINE 24 hr. 1-800-643-5432

911- For emergency Police/Ambulance

863-1111 Police Services on Campus 863-0342 Judicial Affairs

TIPS for Recognizing Distressed Students

Use your senses to pick up observable cues.

Areas of Observation

Difficulty with Academic &/or Social Functioning

Unusual Behaviors and Appearance References to Stressful Life Events References to Suicide, Homicide or

Death

Difficulties with Academic & Social Functioning

Absences Withdrawal Excessive anxiety re performance Disruptive behavior

Unusual Behavior or Appearance

Depressed mood or functioning Hyperactivity or pressured speech Deterioration in hygiene or self care Dramatic weight loss or gain Strange or bizarre behavior/Loss of

contact with reality Problems with boundaries

&expectations Observable Signs of injury

References to Stressful Life Events

Experiencing death of a significant other

Experiencing a sexual or physical assault

Experiencing discrimination/alienation

Experiencing legal difficulties Any problem or situation viewed as a

loss

References to Suicide, Homicide or Death

Overwhelming hopelessness & helplessness

References to suicide or self harm References to homicide or assaultive

behaviors Isolation/withdrawal

General Intervention Guidelines

Basic Helping Skills

Structuring the Contact Passive Listening and Attending Active Listening-Reflections and

Clarifying Questions Expressions of Support, Feedback

and Validation- “I” messages, Sharing Information

Defining Limits and Making Referrals

General Intervention Guidelines

Arrange for a private place and a time when you won’t be interrupted

If you initiate the contact, express concerns in a behavioral and non-judgmental way.

Let the student talk. Listen for both content and feelings.

Intervention (continued)

Give Realistic Hope. Help student know their options and resources and assure them that things can get better.

Avoid a judging, distant or critical style

Maintain clear and consistent boundaries and expectations

Suggest and Normalize referral

Intervention (continued)

Be sensitive to timing-Is this a crisis?

Escalate and Facilitate as needed Prepare the student for what to

expect Arrange a time to follow-up Consult when in doubt about an

intervention

Dealing with Specific Situations

Suicide

If someone alludes to suicide or you aren’t sure, It’s important to follow-up and ask. “Has this reached a point where you feel so badly you have thought of suicide?”

If suicidal, Refer for Help and Escalate as needed: Voluntary through CAPS or CAN HELP (24 hr crisis) or Involuntary through Judicial Affairs or Police Services.

Danger to Others

If someone is making vague threats, it’s important to follow up and ask if they are serious.

Refer and Escalate as needed. Voluntary intervention through Police

intervention depending on the extent and immediacy

CRISIS RESOURCES

CENTER FOR COUNSELING AND PSYCHOLOGICAL SERVICES

(CAPS) Mon- Fri 8 am - 5 pm CENTRE COUNTY CAN HELP LINE

24 hr. 1-800-643-5432 911- Emer.-Police/Ambulance Judicial Affairs 863-0342

863-1111 Police Services on Campus

The End

View Students in Distress workshop on the web:http://www.sa.psu.edu/caps/distress/