Common concerns or issues that might indicate appropriateness of Student Counseling Service (SCS) include:

• Reference to suicide
  • All references to suicide need to be taken seriously. It is all right to ask directly, "Are you having thoughts about suicide?" If the student's response is affirmative, a call to consult with SCS is warranted. If a student talks about or alludes to details of how, when, and where of a suicidal plan, immediate consultation and referral is critical.
• Changes in mood/behavior
• Depression
• Learning problems (may indicate underlying problems)
• Career concerns
• Retention issues

When you might not want to deal with it yourself:

• The problem feels too much for you to deal with
• You know the student in a non-professional way (friend, relative, neighbor)
• You don't feel you will be of help to them
• The student seems hesitant to talk with you about it
• The student asks for a referral

How to refer:

• Let the student know specifically what it is that you are concerned about
• Make it clear that your referral represents your best judgment about what would be of help to them
• Let them know what they could expect if they were to come in
• Let them know that they, of course, have the right not to take the referral

If they do agree to the referral:

• Have them call SCS to make the appointment or call with them present 
• If they are unable to come in on their own, call the SCS for assistance
• It is good to follow up with the student to let them know that you are interested in how things are going (you don't have to pry)
• After the student's appointment, SCS cannot discuss their case with you without a release of information signed by the student 
• If they do not agree to the referral and you are concerned for their safety, call SCS and consult with a staff member

What happens when they come in:

• Students will schedule an initial appointment, usually within the week (can do this same day if an emergency)
• Students will meet with a counselor to discuss the presenting issues, usually about one hour
• The counselor will help the student get connected with appropriate services

Emergencies:

During the day, there are emergency time slots for students in immediate need, and students can typically be seen that day. Simply call or have the student call SCS (513-529-4634).

For urgent consultations outside of business hours, please contact the HOPE Line (855-249-5649), a 24-hour hotline staffed by crisis specialists. For life-threatening emergencies, please call 9-1-1.