Detection and Referrals

College students often encounter a great deal of stress, e.g. academic, social, family, work, and financial. While most students cope successfully with life's demands, sometimes these pressures become overwhelming and unmanageable. Students might feel alone, isolated, helpless, and even hopeless. These feelings can easily disrupt academic performance and can result in harmful behaviors, including substance abuse and suicide attempts.

Faculty and staff members are in a unique position to identify and help students who are, or appear to be, in distress. This can be particularly true for students who can't or won't turn to family or friends for help. Any faculty or staff member who is perceived by students as caring and trustworthy can be a potential resource in times of trouble. Your expression of interest and concern might be a critical factor in helping struggling students re-establish emotional equilibrium, thus saving their academic careers and, possibly, their lives.

This information is designed to help you recognize some of the symptoms of student distress and provide some specific options for intervention and referral to campus and/or community resources. The Counseling Center at Penn State DuBois through the Office of Student Affairs is available to assist you with problem situations and consult with you about any student(s) who warrants intervention. In addition, Penn State has an online tool called the Red Folder Initiative designed to help faculty, staff and others who interact with students recognize, respond effectively too and refer distressed students. This information can be found at www.redfolder.psu.edu.

Tips for Recognizing Students in Distress

At one time or another, everyone feels depressed or upset. The following can help to identify some symptoms which, when present over time, suggest that the problem(s) a student is dealing with might be more than usual.

Marked Change in Academic Performance or Behavior

Poor performance and preparation
Excessive absences or tardiness
Repeated requests for special consideration, especially when this represents a change from past behavior
Avoiding participation
Dominating discussions
Excessively anxious when called upon
Disruptive behavior
Exaggerated emotional response that is obviously inappropriate to the situation

Unusual Behavior or Appearance

Depressed or lethargic mood
Hyperactivity or very rapid speech
Deterioration in personal hygiene or dress
Dramatic weight loss or gain
Strange or bizarre behavior indicating loss of contact with reality

References to Emotional or Life Stressors

Problems with roommates, family, or romantic partners
Experiencing a death of a significant other
Experiencing a physical or sexual assault
Experiencing discrimination based on gender, race, religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or disabilities
Experiencing legal difficulties
Any other problem or situation that is experienced as a loss or stress

References to Suicide, Homicide, or Death

Feelings of helplessness or hopelessness
Verbal or written references to suicide
Verbal or written references to homicide or assault behavior
Isolation from friends, family, and classmates

What Can You Do?
If you choose to approach a student who concerns you, or if a student reaches out to you for help with personal problems, here are some suggestions that might make the opportunity to communicate more comfortable for you and more helpful for the student.

Talk to the student in private when both of you have the time and aren't rushed or preoccupied. Give the student your undivided attention. It's possible that just a few minutes of effective listening on your part might be enough to help the student feel cared about as an individual and more confident about what to do. If you've initiated the contact, express your concern in behavioral, non-judgmental terms. For example, "I've noticed you've been absent from class lately, and I'm concerned," rather than "Where have you been lately? You should be more concerned about your grades."

Listen to thoughts and feelings in a sensitive, non-threatening way. Communicate your understanding by repeating back to the student what he/she has told you. Try to include both content and feelings, e.g. "It sounds like you're not used to such a big campus, and you're feeling left out of things." Let the student talk.

Give hope. Assure the student that things can get better. It's important to help students realize that options are available and that things won't always seem this hopeless. Suggest resources such as friends, family, clergy, coaches, or campus professionals. However, recognize that your purpose should be to provide enough hope to enable the student to consult a professional or other appropriate person, on or off campus. Your purpose is not to solve the student's problem(s).

Avoid judging, evaluating and/or criticizing a student, even if he/she asks for your opinion. Such behavior is apt to push the student away from you and the help the student needs. It's important to respect the student's value system, even if you don't agree with it.

Mattering. Communicate to the student that they matter to you and to Penn State. Students who feel like they genuinely matter to at least one other person in this world have better chances of successfully overcoming the barriers that are disrupting their life especially in those moments when it matters most.

Maintain clear and consistent boundaries and expectations with the student. It's important to maintain a professional faculty or staff relationship with the student. You might be able to help a student understand options related to a deferred grade, late drop, or withdrawal from the semester. If a student seems to feel overly distressed about making a decision about options, personal assistance can be facilitated through the Office of Student Affairs.

Refer. When making a referral, it's important to point out that help is available and seeking help is a sign of strength and courage rather than a sign of weakness or failure. It might be helpful to point out that seeking professional help for other problems, e.g. medical, legal, car, or other issues, is considered to be good judgment and an appropriate use of resources. If you can, prepare the student for what to expect. Tell the student what you know about campus services and/or other community options.

Timing. It's critical to be aware that options for referral vary depending on the time of day.

Follow-up. Arrange a time to meet again to solidify the student's resolve to obtain appropriate help and to demonstrate your commitment to assist in this process. Check later to see that the referral appointment was kept and learn how it went. Provide support while the student takes further appropriate action or, if necessary, pursues another referral.

Consult. When in doubt about the advisability of an intervention, always call for counseling and consultation.

What Can a Student Expect at the First Session?
A student's initial interview with a professional counselor is usually arranged by scheduling an appointment. You can help with this process by offering the student the immediate use of your phone. It's helpful for you to become familiar with the services available on campus.

In very urgent or crisis situations, an immediate or same-day intervention might be required. A crisis might include considering suicide, experiencing a sexual assault, and/or feeling overwhelmed and disoriented due to severe panic. In order to arrange for a crisis intervention session, the faculty or staff member helping a student must communicate clearly with the staff member(s) who can help the student, alerting him/her to the extreme nature of the situation. If you feel that a student might be reluctant to ask for a crisis appointment, facilitate the process by making this request for the student yourself.

What Happens After the First Session?
If the student and counselor agree that further counseling is appropriate, the student and counselor review the options available on campus and in the community in order to arrive at a tentative plan for additional services. Counseling on campus is available to students to resolve many of their concerns. However, some students are referred to other campus offices or community resources for specialized or ongoing counseling. Finally, some students might leave the initial interview feeling able to handle their problems on their own. Students can always return if they want to learn if additional services would be helpful.

Consultation is Available
If you've decided to help a student at risk, you might have questions about the best way to handle the situation. Please do not hesitate to contact the Campus Counselor to discuss a student’s needs via email at [email protected] or by phone at (814) 375-4832. Remember, though, that the counselor may be prohibited from sharing some of the information considered protected by law.

A student whose behavior has become threatening, violent, or significantly disruptive might need a different kind of approach compared to a student who is open and willing to seek help. Students who pose a serious danger to themselves or others can be evaluated by a county crisis worker to determine if involuntary hospitalization is indicated in order to protect the life and safety of the student or others. If you feel a student is at immediate risk to themselves or others, please contact someone who can provide immediate help such as:

Call 911
Penn State Crisis Line 1-877-229-6400
County Crisis 1-800-341-5040
Campus Police (814) 375-4734
Campus Counselor (814) 375-4732
Student Affairs (814) 375-4766

RESOURCES

Below is a list of local and national agencies and resources that promote health living and can help when you need it most. Additional resources not otherwise listed may be available based on individual circumstance.

The Campus Counselor is a great PSU DuBois resource for mental wellness and can help guide you in obtaining support and services. To contact the Campus Counselor, email [email protected] or call (814) 375-4832.
U Matter to us!

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

Crossroads (through Community Action) 24-Hour Hotline 1-800-598-3998
Provides support for adults and children who have been affect by domestic violence in Clearfield and Jefferson counties through emergency shelter, educational programs, options counseling, legal advocacy, and group support

The National Domestic Violence Hotline 24-Hour Hotline 1-800-799-7233
Call to talk confidentially with someone for anyone experiencing domestic violence, seeking resources or information, or questioning unhealthy aspects of their relationship.

DRUG AND ALCOHOL

Clearfield Jefferson Drug and Alcohol Commission http://cjdac.org/
Coordination of local alcohol and other drug programs. Direct services include Prevention, Student Assistance Program services and trainings, Case Management, and Hepatitis C screenings.

Substance Abuse Treatment Referral 24-Hour Hotline 1-800-662-HELP (1-800-662-4357)
SAMHSA’s National Helpline is a free, confidential, 24/7, 365-day-a-year treatment referral and information service (in English and Spanish) for individuals and families facing mental and/or substance use disorders.

EMERGENCIES: (Call 911 if you or someone you know is in immediate danger)

Penn State Crisis Line 24-Hour Hotline 1-877-229-6400
Staffed 24 hours a day by licensed counselors who can gather information, refer to appropriate resources, and manage concerns for Penn State Students.

National Crisis TextLine.org 24-Hour TextLine. Text “LIONS” TO 741741
Text with trained crisis counselors 24 hours a day. Confidential and available in the US only.

Clearfield-Jefferson CRISIS Intervention 24-Hour Hotline 1-800-341-5040
Telephone and mobile crisis intervention services are provided through a collaboration with Community Connections of Clearfield and Jefferson Counties, Universal Community Behavioral Health, and Service Access and Management.

Penn Highlands Hospital Emergency Room (814) 371-2200
Located at 100 Hospital Avenue, DuBois, PA 15801.

FINANCIAL SUPPORT

Community Action https://www.pa211.org/agency/6216/7590/
Provides limited help for rent, mortgage, utility bills, and food; free home weatherization; tax assistance, and non-emergency mileage reimbursement and transportation for medical appointments (based on qualification)

Salvation Army https://wpa.salvationarmy.org/WesternPennsylvania/dubois, Shelter, Utility Assistance, Meal Programs, including snacks; Food Pantry; youth programs, Kids Café; worship and fellowship

FOOD

Penn State University Food Pantry
Contact Ann Whyte at [email protected] or call 375-4760 for assistance.

Central Pennsylvania Food Bank www.centralpafoodbank.org
Distributes food and groceries to hungry families throughout central Pennsylvania

DuBois Area Food Pantry (814) 371-4750

Salvation Army Food Share https://wpa.salvationarmy.org/WesternPennsylvania/dubois
Participants can come once per week. Please bring an ID, proof of residence, and Social Security cards for everyone in the house. Schedule Mon. 3:00-4:00pm; Wed. 11:00am-12:00 noon; Fri. 5:00-6:00pm

HOMELESSNESS

Community Action https://www.jccap.org/
Provides homeless emergency shelter; transitional housing; locating and establishing a residence; and case management. Also provides homeless veterans and their families with supportive services.

Haven House Shelter https://havenhouseshelter.wixsite.com/havenhouseshelter short-term homeless shelter for residents of Clearfield, Elk, and Jefferson Counties located in DuBois.

LGBTQA SUPPORT

Resources for LGBTQA Support located on the PSU DuBois LGBTQA page: https://dubois.psu.edu/lgbtqa-support-services-0

MENTAL HEALTH

Community Connections of Clearfield/Jefferson Counties. https://www.pa211.org/agency/6216/7590/
County Administration for all mental services and assists individuals in the local community connect with service providers.

National Alliance on Mental Illness www.nami.org
Advocacy group, representing people affected by mental illness in the United States

Network of Care www.networkofcare.org/splash.aspx
National Database with links to various community services by state and region (where applicable)

Penn Highlands Behavioral Health https://www.phhealthcare.org/service/behavioral-health/service
Provides Inpatient and Outpatient Behavioral Health Services in DuBois and surrounding areas.

SEXUAL ASSAULT

Passages https://www.passages-inc.org 24-Hour Hotline 1-800-793-3620
Free and Confidential 24-hour services to survivors of sexual violence as well as prevention/educational programming throughout Clarion, Clearfield, and Jefferson Counties

RAINN National Sexual Assault Hotline https://www.rainn.org 24-Hour Hotline 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)
(Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network) is the nation's largest anti-sexual violence organization.

SUICIDE PREVENTION AND SUPPORT

Penn State Crisis Line 24-Hour Hotline 1-877-229-
Staffed 24 hours a day by licensed counselors who can gather information, refer to appropriate resources, and manage concerns for Penn State Students.

National Crisis TextLine.org 24-Hour TextLine. Text “LIONS” TO 741741
Text with trained crisis counselors 24 hours a day. Confidential and available in the US only.

JED Foundation 24-Hour Hotline 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or Text "START" to 741-741
Online resource to protect emotional health and prevent suicide for teens and young adults (www.jedfoundation.org/)

The Trevor Project www.thetrevorproject.org 24-Hour Hotline 1-866-488-7386
Crisis Intervention and Suicide Prevention For Gay Youth.

Clearfield-Jefferson Suicide Prevention Team http://www.1istoomany.org/
Provide prevention, intervention, and crisis debriefing trainings within the local community.

American Foundation for Suicide Prevention https://afsp.org/
voluntary health organization to help those affected by suicide through research, education, and advocacy.

VETERAN MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES

Penn State DuBois Veteran Services https://dubois.psu.edu/veteran-services-0

Penn State DuBois provides many supportive services for veterans. An Adult Learner Veteran Room is located in Room 208 of the DEF Building for social support and to connect with other veterans on campus. Scott Winters, LCSW through the DuBois Vet Center, is available on campus weekly for counseling services. To make an appointment, contact Scott at (814) 372-2095. For more information on all veteran services, contact Rebecca Pennington, Director of Student Affairs, at [email protected] or (814) 375-4766.

DuBois Vet Center https://www.va.gov/directory/guide/facility.asp?ID=5624
Health and Wellness Support for all Veterans in the DuBois and surrounding areas. Call (814) 372-2095

DuBois VA Medical Clinic https://www.va.gov/directory/guide/facility.asp?id=5267
Provides a variety of medical, health, and wellness services to area veterans. For more information, call (877) 626-2500.

Veteran’s Crisis Lifeline 24-Hour Hotline 1-800-273-TALK (8255), or Text “273TALK to 839863
Military Helpline to Prevent Substance Abuse and Suicide (www.linesforlife.org)

Veteran Alcohol & Drug Helpline 24-Hour Hotline 1-800-923-4357 Text “RecoveryNow” to 839863 (8am-11pm PST daily)
For individuals and family members seeking crisis intervention, treatment referral, and chemical-dependency information.

Military Helpline 24-Hour Hotline 1-888-457-4838 or Text “MIL” to 839863 (8am-11pm PST daily)
Support for service members, veterans, and their families that is independent of any branch of the military or government