Referring
Others to UCC
Referring others
to the University Counseling Center is an important and sometimes
difficult task. A good referral is one where the student feels understood,
realizes that there is a competent source of help available, and is
motivated to seek out that help.
How to
approach someone you feel needs help
Every year many students, faculty, and staff call or come to UCC expressing
a concern about a student, whether that person is a friend, relative
or roommate. We recommend that you approach the student you are concerned
about in a gentle, caring and non-judgmental way and specifically
state why you are concerned. Then suggest that he/she seek out a professional
assessment at the Counseling Center. Most of the time the student
will feel relieved that there is help available and will agree to
make an appointment. If you want to offer extra support, you can have
the student call UCC from your office or room, and/or you can offer
to accompany the student to the UCC to her/his first appointment.
If the person you are concerned about refuses to get help immediately
(and it is not an emergency situation), try to be friendly and remain
open to the possibility that he/she may want your help in the future.
Feel free to consult with one of our staff about any student.
Remember that many students
will feel ambivalent about seeking help from any source, including
UCC. This ambivalence can often be characterized by statements such
as "I don't want to go there because my problem isn't that serious."
Or, "I don't want to go there, I think my problems are too serious
and they can't help me." In either of the two preceding cases, the
person you may be trying to refer may be unsure about what coming
to UCC means and may be fearful of the unknown. A direct response
to such objections can sometimes be helpful: "If your problem is
not appropriate for the Counseling Center, they can make sure that
you are directed to the right place."
Who
is eligible for services through UCC?
Degree-seeking
students currently enrolled at the University of Notre Dame are
eligible for counseling services.
Non-Notre
Dame Mental Health Resources
Notre Dame students:
If the student you would like to refer doesn't want to seek help
from a Notre Dame affiliated agency, there are other mental health
resources in the larger local community including the Madison
Center (574-234-0061) and the Family and Children's Center (574-259-5666).
Note: If the
student wishes to use her/his Community Health Care Insurance
(Notre Dame's university-sponsored insurance) for any off campus treatment provider or agency, there are special
mental health guidelines which REQUIRE A REFERRAL: The
student must FIRST use the resources of the University Counseling
Center where treatment will be administered, or referral issued.
Expenses incurred for mental health treatment rendered outside
of the University Counseling Center for which no prior approval
or referral is obtained are not covered. This would include outpatient
psychotherapy/counseling, group treatment and psychiatric services.
Students should review the benefit plan description regarding
when the above does not apply.
Notre Dame faculty
and staff who would like to seek a no-cost confidential evaluation
and referrals for counseling, mental health, legal or other services
can contact the EMPLOYEE
ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (EAP) administered through the Human Resources
Department. The employee may contact an EAP professional at 1-888-267-8126.
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