Role of Parent/Guardian

• Become familiar with signs that indicate your son or daughter is having difficulties of an emotional or psychological nature;
• Learn how to respond effectively when your child approaches you with problems;
• Learn the steps for making an effective referral.

Signs of Distress
When a young person leaves for college, it is natural for them to experience changes in their behavior, mood, and values. While these changes may lead to occasional disagreements or some temporary discomfort within the family, they are not necessarily signs that a student is having a psychological problem. However, the behaviors listed below may indicate cause for concern.

Changes in Academic Performance

• Poor academic performance, particularly if such behavior represents a change from the past
• Excessive absences from class
• Confusion or uncertainty about interests, abilities, or values

• Listlessness, lack of energy, complaints about fatigue
• Marked changes in personal hygiene
• Impaired speech or disjointed, confused thoughts
• Aggressive or threatening behavior
• Extreme mood changes or inappropriate display of emotions
• Excessive crying
• Dramatic weight loss or gain
• Preoccupation with food or body image
• Bizarre behavior indicating a loss of contact with reality

• Death of a family member or close friend
• Difficulties in romantic relationships
• Problems with family members, friends, or roommates References to Suicide
• Overt references to suicide or statements of hopelessness or helplessness
• Indications of prolonged unhappiness
• Pessimism about the future

• Talk to your son or daughter as soon as you notice something unusual; don't ignore atypical or disturbing behavior.
• Express your concern in a caring manner and indicate the specific behaviors, which are the cause for your worry.
• Use "I" language that focuses on what you have noticed or what you are feeling.
• Talk to your son or daughter in private when you both have enough time for a conversation.
• Don't bring up your concerns in the heat of an argument.
• Listen attentively, observing non-verbal as well as verbal responses.
• Avoid being critical or judgmental.
• Encourage positive action by helping your son or daughter define the problem and possible ways of handling it; avoid the temptation to solve the problem for them.
• Ask directly how you can best help them.
• Know your limits as a help-giver. Parents can do a lot, but sometimes professional help is needed.
• Be a good role model by seeking help for yourself.

Making a Referral

Many students are initially hesitant about seeking counseling. When you have decided that professional counseling is indicated, tell your son or daughter directly and clearly why you are making the referral.

Counseling is provided to all students enrolled in a degree program. Each student may have up to fifteen individual counseling sessions per academic year. If a student has difficulties that cannot be adequately addressed in this time frame, we may suggest other resources that would be more appropriate.

• Review information about the counseling process with students using the Counseling Center website. Emphasize that services are confidential and free.
• You might suggest that the student attend one session before judging whether counseling is helpful or not. For those students who are hesitant, point out that using appropriate resources is a sign of strength and maturity.
• Except in the case of imminent danger to self or others, it is important to allow your son or daughter to refuse counseling. Just because he or she might not follow through immediately doesn't mean that they aren't considering your suggestions.
• While it is preferable for the student to take the step of making an appointment on his or her own, the counseling staff are willing to speak with parents about how to encourage the student to do so.

Confidentiality
The Counseling Center staff members are required by law and by professional ethics to protect the confidentiality of all contacts with students. The only exceptions occur in cases of imminent danger to self or others or direct reports of child abuse. Without a student's written permission we can discuss neither the content of counseling sessions nor the fact that they are a client of the Counseling Center. These requirements are in effect even when a parent has made the original referral to the Center. However, as long as we have a student's permission, we are more than happy to speak with parents about their concerns.

If you have any questions about the services offered by the Center, please feel free to call 610.330.5005 and request to speak with a counselor.

Additional Services

Performance Enhancement Classes
Staff members provide classes and trainings for students, faculty, and staff on such topics as alcohol's effect on academic and athletic performance, becoming an academic "standout," positive psychology approaches to mental health, and current research on Lafayette students.

Referral Guide
For those students who wish to seek counseling from an off-campus mental health professional, we offer a referral guide for psychologists in the Lehigh Valley.

Psychiatric Services
Students who are interested in receiving an evaluation for medication are encouraged to consult with the physicians in the Bailey Health Center who coordinate appointments with a consulting psychiatrist.

Testing
A number of career and psychological tests are offered to students at no charge. The Counseling Center does not provide testing for learning disabilities.