1. Students in Distress: Guidelines for Intervention and Referrals Mary Anne Knapp, MSW, LCSW Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) 501 Student Health Center 814-863-0395

2. Students in Distress: Guidelines for Faculty & Staff Interventions n The Importance of Your Role w/ Students n College Student Issues/Distress n The Center for Counseling and Psych Services (CAPS) n Tips for Recognition n Guidelines for Intervention/Referral n Dealing with Specific Situations n Evaluation and Ending

3. Young Adult/College Context n Pressures for Academic Performance n Overwhelming Life Changes n Financial Issues n Limited Social Support Network n Losses/Traumas n Identity Issues n Lifestyle/Body Abuse n Limits of Current Coping Skills/Strategies n Development of Disorders in Adulthood

4. Penn State Counseling Contacts at University Park CAPS n 2500 + students per year for clinical assessment and treatment n Up to 16,000 clinical contacts per year n 5000 outreach contacts with students including programs & postventions following crises/deaths on campus

5. Center for Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) Office: 501 Student Health Center Hours: Mon-Fri 8 am.-5pm. Phone: 863-0395

6. Center for Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) n Initial Interview-Appt. and Crisis n Individual Short Term Counseling n Couples Short Term Counseling n Group Therapy- 25 groups/semester n Psychiatric Services (Medication Evals) n Outreach Services-Workshops n Consultation n Referrals

7. CAPS GROUPS n General Interpersonal Therapy Groups n Women’s and Men’s Therapy n Depression Group n Stress Management Group n Anxiety Group n ADHD Support group n Recovery Groups n Discussion/Support Groups

8. Recovery Groups n Substance Abuse n Eating Disorders n Sexual Assault n Grief and Loss

9. Discussion/Support Groups n LGBT Graduate Therapy Group n Students of Color Support Group n International Student Group n Blended Heritage Discussion Group n Dialogues About Race Groups

10. Center for Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) n Initial Interview- Appts. & Crisis n Individual Short-term Counseling n Group Therapy n Psychiatric Services n Outreach Services-Workshops n Consultation n Referrals - Campus and Private

11. CRISIS RESOURCES n CENTER FOR COUNSELING AND PSYCHOLOGICAL SERVICES (CAPS) Mon- Fri 8 am - 5 pm n CENTRE COUNTY CAN HELP LINE24 hr. 1-800-643-5432 n 911- For emergency Police/Ambulance n 863-1111 Police Services on Campus n 863-0342 Judicial Affairs

12. TIPS for Recognizing Distressed Students Use your senses to pick up observable cues.

13. Areas of Observation n Difficulty with Academic &/or Social Functioning n Unusual Behaviors and Appearance n References to Stressful Life Events n References to Suicide, Homicide or Death

14. Difficulties with Academic & Social Functioning n Absences n Withdrawal n Excessive anxiety re performance n Disruptive behavior

15. Unusual Behavior or Appearance n Depressed mood or functioning n Hyperactivity or pressured speech n Deterioration in hygiene or self care n Dramatic weight loss or gain n Strange or bizarre behavior/Loss of contact with reality n Problems with boundaries &expectations n Observable Signs of injury

16. References to Stressful Life Events n Experiencing death of a significant other n Experiencing a sexual or physical assault n Experiencing discrimination/alienation n Experiencing legal difficulties n Any problem or situation viewed as a loss

17. References to Suicide, Homicide or Death n Overwhelming hopelessness & helplessness n References to suicide or self harm n References to homicide or assaultive behaviors n Isolation/withdrawal

18. General Intervention Guidelines

19. Basic Helping Skills n Structuring the Contact n Passive Listening and Attending n Active Listening-Reflections and Clarifying Questions n Expressions of Support, Feedback and Validation- “I” messages, Sharing Information n Defining Limits and Making Referrals

20. General Intervention Guidelines n Arrange for a private place and a time when you won’t be interrupted n If you initiate the contact, express concerns in a behavioral and non- judgmental way. n Let the student talk. n Listen for both content and feelings.

21. Intervention (continued) n Give Realistic Hope. Help student know their options and resources and assure them that things can get better. n Avoid a judging, distant or critical style n Maintain clear and consistent boundaries and expectations n Suggest and Normalize referral

22. Intervention (continued) n Be sensitive to timing-Is this a crisis? n Escalate and Facilitate as needed n Prepare the student for what to expect n Arrange a time to follow-up n Consult when in doubt about an intervention

23. Dealing with Specific Situations

24. Suicide n If someone alludes to suicide or you aren’t sure, It’s important to follow-up and ask. “Has this reached a point where you feel so badly you have thought of suicide?” n If suicidal, Refer for Help and Escalate as needed: Voluntary through CAPS or CAN HELP (24 hr crisis) or Involuntary through Judicial Affairs or Police Services.

25. Danger to Others n If someone is making vague threats, it’s important to follow up and ask if they are serious. n Refer and Escalate as needed. n Voluntary intervention through Police intervention depending on the extent and immediacy

26. CRISIS RESOURCES n CENTER FOR COUNSELING AND PSYCHOLOGICAL SERVICES (CAPS) Mon- Fri 8 am - 5 pm n CENTRE COUNTY CAN HELP LINE 24 hr. 1-800-643-5432 n 911- Emer.-Police/Ambulance n Judicial Affairs 863-0342 n 863-1111 Police Services on Campus

27. The End View Students in Distress workshop on the web: http://www.sa.psu.edu/caps/distress/