How to refer a student
Index:
When to refer
Types of issues helped by counselling
First, consider whether counselling can help the student. Counselling helps people make their own decisions about their life and behaviour, and manage their feelings. It is not about giving advice or information.
You may find the following sections of our webpages helpful:
- typical questions and concerns brought to counselling – in our FAQ section
- our ‘Client Profile’ – in our policies section
Does the student need counselling or support from you?
Many tutors and other University staff provide supportive or pastoral care of great value. This may be sufficient for the student. But if you are wondering if it the student needs professional help, read on ...
If you answer ‘yes’ to any of the following questions, then referral is likely to be a better option than continuing to try to help the student yourself:
- Do you feel out of your depth with the issues the student is bringing to you?
- Are you finding the time involved too much?
- Do you feel you have gone as far as you can with the student?
- Have your attempts so far not worked out?
- Is there a conflict between supporting the student and your role in the University?
- Is the student's problem one you personally find difficult?
- Does the student's behaviour clash with your ethical or moral code?
- Do you find it hard to be objective about the student's situation?
- Does the student have many problems?
- Are you concerned that the student may be seriously disturbed?
- Does the student imply that you are the only one who can help?
While flattering, this is often a good indicator that it is time to involve someone else. The student may be becoming over-dependant on you; and feeling you have sole responsibility for a student's well being can be very onerous.
If you are unsure whether or not to refer a student, or simply need to talk through your concerns, you are very welcome to discuss the situation with one of the counsellors. You can do this without mentioning the student's name.
How to refer
It may be clear from the outset that you can do little to help a student and need to refer them on straight away.
If you have been working with a student for some time, referring them on can be more complex. You need to explain why you are suggesting that they seek help elsewhere, so they do not feel that you are rejecting them. Be clear whether you are going to continue to offer support or not, and what the limitations of that support will be.
When you are considering a referral:
- Listen carefully to what the student tells you
- If relevant, ask questions to determine the best source of help. For example: if a student needs financial advice or practical help then Financial Aid or the Student Union Advice Centre may be the best place for them to go, whereas if they are recognising a pattern of over-spending, then counselling may help them find more positive ways of managing.
- Ask them what they want, eg someone to listen, long-term support, practical action. Again this will guide you into referring them to the best support service.
- Discuss with the student possible plans of action.
- Encourage the student to decide what is best for them out of the options available.
- If a student agrees that counselling might be helpful, make sure that they know where the Service is located, and how to make an appointment (see How to find us and How to make an appointment). It is usually best to encourage the student to make an appointment themselves, as this helps them feel motivated and in control. You can direct them to the Counselling web-pages, or give them the ‘ Counselling’ leaflet which we produce – if you don't have a copy, you can ask for one from our reception [click here to email].
Medical certificate equivalents and referral
Counsellors are authorised by the University to write Counselling Notes or “medical certificate equivalents” in support of students who are experiencing personal difficulties which may affect their work. A student may include a Counselling Note when submitting a “Request following Mitigating Circumstances”. Where a counsellor has been working with a student for some time, the counsellor is in a position to judge whether it would be appropriate for them to write a Note.
However, if students are referred to the Counselling Service with a view to obtaining a Note to include in a “Request following Mitigating Circumstances,” this presents a dilemma. The counsellor does not know the student or their academic record. Without prior contact, they are unlikely to be able to assess how the student's personal difficulties are affecting their work, or has affected it in the past. If there are possible medical circumstances, it might be better to refer a student to their doctor (for example, if the student may have depressive or anxiety issues). Of course, you can still refer the student to the Counselling Service for personal help, if this is appropriate and what the student wants.
For further information see:
- Guidance for Students Submitting a Request following Mitigating Circumstances.
- Specific regulations. Consideration of Mitigating Circumstances.
- Our full policy on letters for mitigating circumstances