Friend's Guide

If a student or a friend (in the case of another student) approaches you with a problem, take the time to listen in a nonjudgmental and respectful manner. If you wish to approach the individual with your concerns, do so directly and state your concerns clearly. The following recommendations may help to make the process of providing a referral easier:

1. Do not attempt to make a referral when the student is so upset and confused that he/she cannot understand or listen to you. Wait until the student has calmed down enough to be able to converse and respond to your suggestions.
2. Suggest in a caring, supportive manner that the student may benefit from meeting with a counselor at the SDC. You may want to explain the following:
   • Counseling at the Counseling Center is confidential. This means that information about the student cannot be released to other PSC offices, family, professors, etc. without the student's written permission (the exception being if the student is in danger of harming him/herself or others).
   • The services are free to currently registered, full- and part-time students.
   • The first meeting is an intake/consultation session where the counselor listens to concerns and then helps the student to identify ways to effectively address these concerns.
3. Give the student the Counseling Center phone number (327-6358). The student can call with you or from home. No appointments can be made for a student by a third party without the student directly speaking to the secretary or a counselor and asking for an appointment.
4. If you feel that the student is in crisis, you can call the SDC or have the student call from your office. Tell the SDC office manager that this is an "emergency" and she will connect you with a counselor immediately. If appropriate, the student will be scheduled for a crisis appointment that day. If the Center is not open, contact Campus Safety at 327-6300 or go to the Adirondack Medical Center emergency room.

(Used with the permission of the Division of Student Affairs, SUNY Buffalo Counseling Center, and adapted for Paul Smith's College.)