Concerned about a Student?
Faculty, staff, friends, and loved ones are usually the first people that students will turn to for support with their mental health concerns. We're grateful that you want to provide that support to a student, and want to assist you in helping them. If you would like to speak with one of our staff about a student of concern, please call the Counseling Center at (312) 996-3490.
How can the Counseling Center help? Heading link
We can provide consultation
We can speak with you about how best to talk to the student, share information about mental health issues in general, and provide information about how the student can seek help.
We can receive information about a student
Our staff can accept information from you about a student, whether they are currently receiving services from the Counseling Center or are simply attending UIC. Typically, documentation of your concern will be made, which could be helpful to a client’s treatment, or in the event the student is not a client, can provide helpful information if that student comes to the Counseling Center in the future.
We usually cannot share information
In most cases, we cannot share information with you about a client if the client is 17 years or older (this is IL law), unless the client has signed a release form explicitly stating they want the information shared with you. This includes whether or not a student has used any Counseling Center services. If we believe that a student is at imminent risk of harm to themselves of others, our staff will consider if, and with whom, information needs to be shared to keep all parties safe.
Students must make their own decision to seek services
We cannot schedule appointments that are made on behalf of someone else. You can encourage the student to seek help, learn about the types of services we offer, and share this information with them.
We primarily provide brief, goal-directed services
The Counseling Center may not be the best resource for some students, particularly if they require longer-term, specialized, or more intensive treatment. In those instances, we provide case management services to connect students with other mental health resources that will best meet their needs.