How to make a referral
Talking with faculty, staff, or residential advisors can often help students work through minor problems or crises. However, if a student has a problem that seems outside your area of knowledge, if a student seems unimproved or worse after several meetings, or if a student is unwilling to discuss a problem with you, consider a referral to the Counseling Center. Of course, if a student is a potential danger to him/herself or to others, he/she should see a professional counselor immediately. The following guidelines will help you in making a referral.
- Suggest in a straightforward fashion that the student make an appointment at the Counseling Center. Explain that the referral is based on what the student has told you and/or what you have observed of the student's behavior.
- Reassure the student that it is normal to experience some problems during the college years and tell them that a large percentage of Wheaton students seek help at the Counseling Center during their time here.
- Ask the student either to call the Counseling Center (286-3905) or go to the Counseling Center (42 Howard St.) to set up an appointment.
- Some students may feel more comfortable calling to make the appointment from your office or having you call to make the appointment for him/her. If you wish to refer a student to a specific counselor, ask the receptionist to set up an appointment with that counselor.
- If the situation is an emergency (e.g., if the student has expressed an intention to harm him/herself or another person) call the Counseling Center immediately to explain what is happening and then walk that student over to the Center.
- If you are concerned about a student but are uncertain about the appropriateness of a referral, feel free to call one of our staff for a confidential consultation at 286-3905.
- After referring a student to the Counseling Center, it is a good idea to have follow-up contact with that student to show that you continue to be interested in his or her welfare and to see if the student is doing better.