Student Counseling Services

For Faculty and Staff

Student Counseling Services (SCS) is the mental health agency for Illinois State University. Its primary goal is to assist students to enhance and facilitate their educational experience at the University. SCS staff members are professional psychologists, social workers and counselors. All staff members have been trained to assist students with their personal, educational, and career needs, and have special expertise in dealing with the variety of problems presented by college students. SCS maintains total confidentiality in all matters discussed with students.

University students experience stress on a daily basis, working to maintain a balance among academic, social, family, financial, and work demands. While many cope successfully, others have trouble. For some, the pressures become overwhelming. These students may experience a crisis that impairs learning, as well as their ability to function in other areas of life. As faculty and staff members, you are often the first to notice when students are in trouble. Your willingness to help may make a difference in their ability to survive and succeed academically.

Student Behavioral Intervention Team

Illinois State University students who display unhealthy and/or dangerous patterns of behavior can be reported to the Student Behavioral Intervention Team through the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs. The Intervention Team seeks to identify and, when deemed necessary, recommend appropriate steps in response to Illinois State University students who display unhealthy or dangerous patterns of behavior.

Recognizing Signs of Distress in Students

Everyone experiences stress but when reactions are prolonged or severe, students may have trouble coping. Here are some signs of students in distress. The number and intensity of these signs can indicate the level of distress:

  • Serious change in the quality of the student’s work
  • Excessive absences from class
  • Exaggerated and inappropriate emotional responses
  • Unusual or changed patterns of interaction in class
  • Disruptive in-class behavior
  • Depressed behavior such as lack of energy, deterioration in personal appearance

Indicators that reflect a more serious problem and require an immediate response:

  • Inability to communicate clearly due to garbled speech or disconnected thoughts
  • Loss of touch with reality (e.g., individuals report hearing or seeing things that do not exist or express beliefs that conflict with reality)
  • Talking about committing suicide (e.g., “I can’t go on...there’s no reason to continue”)
  • Threatening to seriously harm or even kill someone
Responding to a Student in Distress

In non-emergency situations, you might decide not to intervene if the problems seem minor or temporary. When choosing to speak to a student, the following guidelines may help:

  • Speak to the student privately whenever possible.
  • Focus on behaviors that you notice are different. Instead of saying, “You seem depressed,” say, “I have noticed that your assignments aren’t up to par lately. Is something going on?”
  • Indicate your willingness to help, but recognize your limits. It is not your job to become the student’s therapist.
  • When in doubt about a situation call Student Counseling Services (SCS) and consult with a staff member.

Emergencies are rare, but they can occur. If an occasion arises when you are dealing with a student who is disoriented, out of control, or engaging in bizarre behavior, there are several things to consider:

  • Safety first! If you are concerned about safety, either yours or others, contact the Illinois State University Police (911) first.
  • Approach the situation calmly. This will allow you to be more effective and may help the student become less anxious or agitated.
  • Hear the student out; you can always consult with SCS staff while the student is there. Call SCS at (309) 438-3655.
  • Contact an appropriate person or agency for assistance. This may be another faculty member, your department chairperson, the Illinois State University Police (911), or SCS staff at (309) 438-3655.
  • After 4:30 p.m., contact PATH (Providing Access to Help) at (309) 827-4005 and ask for the SCS counselor on call.

If possible, do not leave the student alone. If for some reason you must leave the student, have someone stay with the student until you return or help arrives. Avoid having too many people around, which could embarrass the student and make the situation more difficult.

Referring a Student to Resources

Sometimes, however, a student will have problems that you are not comfortable addressing. In these situations, the best and most appropriate option is to refer the student to others who can provide assistance. When you believe a referral to SCS is the best option, consider these guidelines:

  • Be direct! Say something like, “It sounds as if you’re telling me this problem is more complicated. I think it might be more useful to talk to a professional counselor.”
  • Assure the student that the objective–yet concerned–stance taken by a counselor may be exactly what is needed to help resolve the problem.
  • Students may be hesitant to contact a mental health professional. Try to normalize the process. Let the student know that you don’t think he or she is seriously disturbed.
  • In addition to SCS, other resources could be useful, including contact with family members, friends, clergy and other campus or community agencies. Consult with a SCS staff member to identify referral resources. SCS can assist you or the student with appropriate referrals.
  • If a student seems reluctant to utilize SCS or other services, suggest that he or she call PATH at (309) 827-4005. PATH offers a 24-hour telephone help line that is often seen as less threatening.
Initial Assessment and Interview

A student seeking services from the SCS first meets with a counselor for an initial assessment. During the initial assessment, the counselor will talk with the student about his or her concerns and about what type of service or referral will best meet the student’s needs. Initial assessment interviews are available on an appointment basis.

Ongoing Services

SCS provides a number of services to students. Group counseling, available to part-time and full-time students, is recommended for students dealing with interpersonal concerns and self-esteem issues. Individual counseling is available to students who are registered for five or more credits. In individual counseling, a student meets weekly with a counselor to discuss personal concerns and problems. The topics students often talk about vary, but often include depression, stress, relationships, alcohol and drug use, and career decisions. Psychiatric consultations are also available to discuss issues related to medication.

Career Services

The Career Services area of SCS assists students in the initial exploration and development of their career plans. Counselors help students choose an academic major, identify and examine career options, or identify personal needs and interests related to their career.