Clinical Counseling Services
Resources for Friends and Family
As a friend or family member of a student at Indiana Wesleyan
University, you have a unique and individual insight into their
lives that the faculty/staff often do not have. Amidst the phone
calls, e-mails, instant messages, and contacts that you have,
you may detect changes in the personality, attitude, thoughts,
feelings, and outlook of your family member or fellow student.
Sometimes these changes are dramatic and intense enough that
you realize the student may need to seek professional counseling
services. If this becomes the case, feel free to refer the student
to our office or contact us for more information about our services
and your concerns. If the student is expressing thoughts of
hurting themselves or others, contact
our office or their Residential Director immediately. If
the contact is after the hours of Monday – Friday 8:00
a.m. to 5:00 p.m., or if the situation warrants, call the Campus
Police at 765-677-4911.
When should you refer your son,
daughter, brother, sister, grandchild, or friend for services?
Referring someone to the Counseling Services office can be a
difficult decision. Here are some indicators to use when deciding
if suggesting counseling is appropriate.
- Direct or indirect talk or reference to suicide or self
harm
- Social withdrawal or isolation
- Dramatic changes in behavior
- Decreased concern for personal hygiene
- Expressions of sadness, unhappiness, isolation, or any
other “overwhelming” emotion
- Loss of interest in things they used to enjoy
- Frequent crying
- Frequent physical illnesses with no medical cause
- Unusual repetitive or ritualistic behavior
- Frequent relationship problems with friends, family, or
other students
- Recent break-up of a close relationship
- Recent traumatic event or loss
- Changes in sleep patterns, appetite, or energy level
- Any previous emotional or mental health issues or treatment
How should I make a referral to
counseling services?
The relationship that you have with the student who is in need
of services is the direct path to use in making a referral for
services. Be direct and caring with the student. Explain why
you think they need to make an appointment and provide them
with our contact information. Let them know that you are concerned
about them and that you are there to support them. You may call
The Aldersgate Center at anytime for guidance, but the student
will need to be the one to contact us to initiate services.
Students over the age of 18 are viewed as adults. The final
decision of whether to seek counseling is theirs to make. Use
the relationship that you have developed to encourage them to
contact us.
How will I know what happens after
they come in for an appointment?
The laws governing medical confidentiality also govern the privacy
and confidentiality of counseling services. You are strongly
encouraged to use the caring and supportive nature of your relationship
with the student to follow-up on whether they attended their
appointments or not. Be open to the possibility that they may,
or may not, want to talk about the content of the discussions
with the counselor. You may call The Aldersgate Center to provide
information concerning the student, but the counselor will not
be able to share any information concerning the student without
the expressed written consent of the student. This includes
whether they are attending appointments and the content of the
counseling sessions.
One important key to a healthy student is a loving family member
or friend. You know the student better than anyone else. If
you sense that they need help, encourage them to contact The
Aldersgate Center for an appointment with a counselor.
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