CAPS Big Red Folder | Counseling and Psychological Services

How to Help Students (Big Red Folder) An Overview for Faculty/Staff

Faculty member in front of auditorium of students

Our Services

Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) is a multidisciplinary team of psychologists and counselors that work collaboratively with students and psychiatric providers. We help students explore their feelings and thoughts and learn helpful ways to improve their mental, psychological and emotional well-being when issues arise. Services include:

Crisis services
Individual and couples counseling
Support and therapy groups
Screenings and assessments
Alcohol/drug screening and counseling
Eating disorders treatment
Workshops and presentations

Although Counseling and Psychological Services does not provide medication evaluation and referral services, we can collaborate with specialty providers for medication management.

What is Your Role in Keeping Our Students Safe?

You are in a good position to spot someone who may be emotionally distressed. While some of this is expected, especially during stressful times of the year, you may notice someone acting in a way that is inconsistent with your normal experience with that person. You are an important resource in times of trouble, and your expression of interest and concern may be critical in helping the student. You also may be able to alert the university so that an appropriate intervention can be made.

WHEN IN DOUBT, CALL 911 OR CONSULT WITH COUNSELING AND PSYCHOLOGICAL SERVICES (402.472.7450)


IF THE STUDENT	TAKE ACTION
Threatens the safety of self or others Acts in a frightening or threatening manner Refuses to leave the classroom after being asked to leave Reporting or initiating a threat or bomb scare	University Police Department Campus Phone: 2-2222 Cell Phone: 402.472.2222
Acts significantly out of character Acts peculiar and this is cause for alarm Displays unhealthy or dangerous patterns of behavior	University Police Department 402.472.2222
Indicates loss of touch with reality Reflects suicidal thoughts or actions, depression, hopelessness, anxiety or difficulty dealing with grief	Counseling and Psychological Services 402.472.7450 follow prompts for after hours assistance
Indicates having been a victim of a stalking, hazing or other crime Reports sexual assault or relationship violence	Victim Advocacy 402.472.3553 Voices of Hope 24-Hour Crisis Line 402.475.7273
Is not attending class for an extended period of time Seems overwhelmed by a problem that could affect university attendance or persistence Exhibits behavior that substantially impairs, interferes or obstructs orderly processes and functions of the university Exhibits behavior that deliberately interferes with instruction or office procedures Exhibits behavior that is lewd or indecent or breaches the peace Reflects debilitated feeling or overwhelmed by a family or personal emergency	Student Advocacy and Support 402.472.7030 Submit student referrals online
Is having academic difficulty due to physical, psychological or learning disability Indicates a need for disability accommodations	Services for Students with Disabilities 402.472.3787
Is having academic difficulty due to medical concerns/illness Struggling to attend classes or complete assignments due to medical issues	University Health Center Medical Clinic 402.472.5000
Indicates experiencing hate crimes, bias, discrimination or harassment	Institutional Equity and Compliance 402.472.3417

When Working with Distressed Students

DO:	DON'T:
Speak with the individual privately Let her/him know you are concerned and willing to help Listen carefully, and only then explore options Identify resources and make referrals	Promise confidentiality Judge or criticize Involve yourself beyond the limits of your time or training

Possible Signs of Distress

Marked change in performance or behavior
Excessive absence or tardiness
Decreased motivation/concentration
Increased irritability or anxiety
Exaggerated emotional response that is inappropriate to the situation
Increased isolation or sadness
Hyperactivity or very rapid speech
Marked change in personal hygiene, including weight loss or gain
Excessive confusion
Bizarre or erratic behavior
References to suicide (e.g., feelings of helplessness or hopelessness)
References to homicide or assault

If a Student Tells You of a Sexual Assault

Stay calm and listen. Create an environment where the student can talk and share.
Offer your support. Let the student know that she or he is not to blame for what happened.
Let them know that you are available to support them.
Empower the student by telling them they have a right to be safe and free from violence.
Be honest and up front about reporting the abuse or getting support.
Help them find resources to talk with individuals who are trained on these topics:
Counseling and Psychological Services — 402.472.7450
Victim Advocacy — 402.472.3553
Responsible Employees should report the incident right away to Institutional Equity and Compliance (402.472.3417).

Working with Disruptive Individuals

What is disruptive behavior?
Behavior that interferes with the campus's learning environment is considered disruptive.
It is important to recognize that the period of peak anger usually lasts for a brief period of time.

What are some examples…?

Persistent and unreasonable demands for time and attention
Aggressive or defiant behavior
Words or actions that intimidate or harass another
Words or actions that cause another to fear for her/his personal safety

How can I respond to a disruptive person?

SAFETY FIRST
Do not ignore disruptive behavior
Remember that anger usually passes quickly
Calmly let the student know that the behavior is inappropriate
Disruptive behavior should be documented

DO:	DON'T:
Use silence to allow the student to tell you what is upsetting them Acknowledge the feelings of the individual Be firm, steady, consistent, and honest Focus on what you can do to help the student problem solve Make personal referrals to appropriate resources Communicate your concerns with Student Advocacy and Support (402.472.7030)	Interrupt, particularly during the initial phase of heightened anger Minimize, blame, ridicule, or use sarcasm Be argumentative or adversarial Touch Ignore your own limitations

In a crisis situation, or if you feel threatened or endangered, call 2-2222 or 911.

LEARN MORE

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