1. Recognizing When a Student Needs More than Academic Support
…And what to do about it!
Karen Ela Kenny, MSW, LICSW
Director, Counseling Center
Kristina Wilson, MSW, LICSW
Counselor

2. 2010/2011 Counseling Statistics
228 students seen
156 females, 67 males
65 freshmen, 55 sophomores, 60 juniors, 43 seniors
Issues
Depression/Anxiety (85)
Stress (28)
Relationship difficulties (28)

3. Referral Sources Self (98) DOS (37) Health Services (37) Parents (19)
Friends (22)
DOS (37)
Res Life (13)
Health Services (37)
Parents (19)
Professors (3)

4. What we do Crisis Management Brief Intervention Model
115 urgent, same day visits
11 Psychiatric medical absences
3 psychiatric hospitalization
Brief Intervention Model
Counseling visits range from 1-17, average of 4
BASICS – 2 session alcohol assessment/intervention

5. How has the student population changed?
Advancement of psychiatric medication
Recent study by the American College Counseling Association: 44% of students in counseling have severe psychological disorders and 24% are on psychiatric medication. This is a 16% increase from 2000.
Helicopter parents
Well-meaning but over involved parents undermine the student’s ability to develop resiliency which will aid them in managing the stress of college life.

6. Skills necessary to build resiliency
Contemplation
Quiet opportunity in their schedule to reflect
Regulate emotions
Tolerance of unpleasant emotions
Delay gratification
Develop inner gratification
Healthy competition
Move to peak performance, challenge to find capabilities

7. What are you likely to notice?
Weepiness/crying on more than one occasion
Looking unkempt with poor personal hygiene
Minimal interaction with peers
Poor eye contact
Boisterous and bizarre conversation
Continued failure after attempts to support the student academically
“You’re the only one who understands me, can help me”

8. How to respond/suggest counseling
Straightforward approach is best
“I’ve noticed you’ve been struggling with…”
Hearing your concern is powerful
“I’m worried about you”
Explain Counseling Center as “someone is there to help talk with you and figure things out”
Offer to walk them over

9. Other Support Services
Presentations for RA staff regarding issues around:
Eating disorder
Sexual Assault
Stress management
Test Anxiety presentation
Sexual Assault prevention talks with freshmen
Presentation to EMS regarding psych issues
Attend Support Net
Consultation