Consultation Services - Information for Students

As a student, you may consult with one of our counselors whenever you have concerns about the well-being of a fellow student. This can be either by phone or in person. You do not need to be in counseling yourself in order to consult with one of us, although some students decide that they would like to come in for some counseling to get further support for their concerns. 

Some situations in which students contact us for consultation about someone they are concerned about might include:

• Increased or persistent conflicts among friends and roommates
• Excessive substance use and consequences
• Restrictive or compulsive eating or purging
• Suicidal or violent threats or behavior
• Expressions of hopelessness and worthlessness
• Unusually withdrawn behavior
• Deterioration in personal hygiene
• Confused, incoherent, or bizarre behavior or speech

How can we be helpful to you?

Counselors are available to listen carefully and provide information on:

• How to talk to your friend when they seem depressed, anxious, or troubled.
• How to suggest that your friend get professional assistance.
• How to make an appointment for counseling services.
• What SCSU and community resources are available to assist your friend.
• How to set limits on your involvement when you feel overwhelmed.

How can you be helpful to your friend?

Friends can be an invaluable source of support and encouragement.  We suggest you consider the following ways to be helpful:

• Educate yourself ahead of time about the problems you’re seeing and the resources available to help your friend. Counselors can help you with this, and there are a number of resources right here on this website. 
• When talking to someone you are concerned about, always focus on the behavior, not the person. 
• Try to listen, avoid judgments or arguments, and stay calm.
• Avoid sweeping promises of keeping secrets or confidentiality, particularly if there is a safety risk. 
• Encourage your friend to come in and talk to one of us or maybe a professional they saw previously in their own community. You might offer to help them call or accompany them to get help.