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Community and Family Members

Supporting friends can be stressful and impact your own well-being. If you feel you need support, we encourage you to check out our Resources below
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Reasons you might refer a WCC student to Personal Counseling

  • Student Stated Need for Help or Support
  • Observed Changes in Mood and/or Behavior
  • Anxiety and Depression
  • References to Suicide
  • Traumatic Life Events or Changes in Personal Relationships (ie: death of family member)
  • Drug and/or Alcohol Abuse
  • Changes in Physical Health and/or Physical Appearance (ie: noticeable weight change)

The Personal Counseling Department Tips

If you think you know a student who is experiencing distress or a mental health condition, you can help by providing support, normalizing seeking help, and connecting them to the appropriate resources. The Personal Counseling Department encourages all WCC community members to ASCC!

  1. Approach: Approaching a student you are worried about shows them you care. Ask them how they are doing and express your concerns.
  2. Support: Listen to the student nonjudgmentally. Reflective language shows you are paying attention and hearing them out. Respect their decision if they choose to refuse help.
  3. Connect: Ask what supports the student has. Do they know about the Personal Counseling Department? Offer to call a supporter or the PCD with the student, to walk over with them, or let them know you will be making the referral.
  4. Circle-Back: Following-up with a student after you have ASCd confirms your commitment to caring. Circle-back to the student asking how they are doing and if there is any other way you can assist them.

Tips for supporting a WCC Student

  • Let them know you are concerned and make specific observations.
  • Use  non-judgmental phrases and let them know you are there to listen.
  • Let them know you appreciate them sharing and offer resources that can help (such as Personal  Counseling).
  • If you feel comfortable, be transparent about referring them to us and remind them that you care about them.
  • Check-in with them as you can to see how they are doing and to encourage them to engage with resources.

How to Refer a WCC student to Personal Counseling

Thank you for taking the step to connect a student to support. Currently, our Therapists are providing services both in person and via Zoom for Healthcare. DMHCS services are only available to students who are currently enrolled in courses. Please note: For meetings via Zoom, students must be located in the state of New York at the time of your appointment. We will be following up with this student shortly, and will be providing them with appropriate resources and options for support moving forward. Community members are encouraged to fill out the referral form below. A Personal Counselor will review the information submitted and will take appropriate steps to support the referred student.

Referral Form