What to Do if a Student Refuses Help: Issues to Consider
- Avoid making sweeping promises of confidentiality, particularly if a student represents a safety risk to himself or others. Students who are suicidal need quick intervention and assurances of confidentiality may get in the way. By suicidal, we mean students: (1) have an intention to die or cause harm to him/herself; (2) have reported a previous suicide attempt or (3) have left you with an uneasy feeling with respect to their safety.
- You may maintain firm boundaries and stay in the role of educator and not accept the role of "counselor." You need only to watch and refer.
- Contact the Counseling Center for information on depression, anxiety, stress, test anxiety, time management, crisis intervention, alcohol/drug abuse and eating disorders.
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