Talking to the Student about a Referral (for routine or urgent referrals)
1. Talk to the student promptly and in private when
neither of you is rushed. Avoid interruptions.
2. State the reasons for your concern gently and honestly while avoiding assumptions.
3. Listen carefully and be nonjudgmental. Imagine how you would feel in the student’s shoes.
4. Instill hopefulness and positive attitudes in resolving the problem. Assure the student of availability of resources and of people who want to help. Restate your concern and suggest the Counseling Center; explain that you don’t have the expertise to help with all of their problems.
5. Maintain clear interpersonal boundaries as appropriate to your professional relationship with the student.
6. Reassure the student that it is normal to use counseling and that no problems are too big or too small for a visit to the counseling service.
7. Encourage them to come for a one or two session consultation to discuss the situation.
8. Let them know that counseling is free of charge and confidential.
9. (except in emergencies). Even if the student refuses a referral, they may decide to follow up on it at a later time. Do not let this decision have a negative effect on his/her relationship with you.
Remember that counseling is a personal choice
Referral Form
Confidentiality
We treat all of our contacts with students confidentially in accordance with Alabama state law and with the Ethical Principles and Code of Conduct established by the American Psychological Association. Please be
aware that we may not be able to follow-up with you on referrals. If you would like to follow-up on a particular student, you may encourage him/her to ask for a release of information form, in which he/she can give permission for his/her counselor to talk with you.