Faculty & Staff FAQs - Counseling Services

Counseling Services FAQs for Faculty & Staff

General guidelines:

If you are concerned about a student and are unsure of how to help, reach out to the Counseling Services for assistance.
Threatening, disruptive or dangerous behavior should be reported to Public Safety at 718-997-5912/5911 or the Office of Student Conduct and Service Learning at 718-997-5500 or email: studentconduct@qc.cuny.edu.

Before introducing counseling, validate the students’ concerns, remind them that we all need help in our lives, and normalize the counseling experience and seeking support.
Remind your student about our free, confidential services (if via email, you can send them a link to our webpage).
Students can call or email Counseling Services to make an appointment themselves, or you can suggest facilitating that introduction. If you are making the introduction remotely, you can send a brief introductory email to counselingservices@qc.cuny.edu and copy the student. If on campus during business hours, students can walk into Frese Hall, first floor and make an appointment, or you can accompany the student if you feel that is helpful.

Speak with your student to gather more information. If you are referring a student in crisis, contact Counseling Services to alert us of the issue as the student may not fully report the severity of the situation.
Trust your instincts. Ask the student if they have ever considered ending their life, if this feels appropriate.
A student who is having suicidal thoughts should be referred to Counseling Services immediately. Students in crisis will be seen as soon as they are referred during business hours (Mondays to Fridays, 9-5pm).
If after business, hours, 988 is available 24/7 for free confidential crisis support: dial, text or chat 998. This is a great resource to give any student even if you have also referred them to Counseling Services.
QC Public Safety is also available for 24-hour support on campus: 718-997-5912/5911

CARE team addresses conduct issues (threatening, disruptive behavior, rule-breaking, etc.); Counseling is one of many departments of the college in consultation with the CARE team.
CARE team referral will bring the student to the attention of the college, but not always Counseling Services.
Counseling Services referrals are strictly confidential and will not be shared with the larger college community.

Remember that you are the authority in the classroom. You set the rules and create the boundaries.
If a student is disruptive, schedule an individual meeting with them and let them know your concern and potential consequences.
If you continue to be concerned, fill out a CARE team report and the appropriate departments will reach out with assistance.

Crying is a normal part of life and does not necessarily indicate the need for counseling services. Sometimes students just need someone to listen and care.
Talk to your student to find out what is going on. If they express a high level of distress or a desire for support beyond what you can offer, inform them of our services.
If the conversation feels too intense or difficult to manage, or if the student seems to be getting more upset as they speak, a referral to counseling might be appropriate.

Everyone has the ability to be caring and make a positive difference in a student’s life. Sometimes simply listening to a student can make a big difference.
People thrive with connections – when you show that your students matter, you can make a positive impact in their lives.
Students often confide in their professors because they feel comfortable. It is important to make boundaries clear and limits should be set to how you can be helpful.

Ask your student directly; following up with your student shows you care.
Counseling Services records are confidential; they are not part of the student’s academic record. We cannot disclose any information about your student, not even whether they made an appointment or attended a session.