Counseling & Psychological Services

Helping a Student or Colleague

It can be a challenge to have a colleague who is having emotional problems; and you may be unsure of how to help. You can always encourage your colleague to make an appointment at CAPS. However, you can’t force a friend who is refusing assistance or support to seek help. You can try to offer friendly support by:

• letting your friend know, in a private setting, that you are worried about him/her
• offering to accompany your friend to an appointment at CAPS
• contacting Daphne Lurie or Jan Hill at the counseling center about your concern
• Reading the CAPS powerpoint presentation “Working with a distressed or distressing colleague.”

You can also make an appointment for yourself at CAPS to speak confidentially about your friend and receive support.

However, if you are concerned about an immediate risk to the safety of a friend, please dial 911 or help your friend get to the nearest hospital emergency room.