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Ally Program > When and How to Make a Referral

Even though you may be genuinely concerned about contacts, and interested in helping them, you may find yourself in situations in which it would be better to refer them to other resources.

Circumstances that might necessitate a referral include:

  • The problem is more serious than you feel comfortable handling
  • You are either extremely busy, or are experiencing stress in your own life, and are unable or unwilling to handle other requests for help
  • You have talked to the student and helped as much as you can, but further assistance is needed
  • You think your personal feelings about the student will interfere with your objectivity
  • The student admits that there is a problem, but doesn’t want to talk to you about it
  • The student asks for information or assistance that you are unable to provide.


You also may observe one or more of the following:

  • Changes in mood or behavior (e.g., withdrawal, unexplained crying or outbursts)
  • Anxiety and/or depression
  • Symptoms such as headaches, nausea, unexplained pain which may be psychosomatic
  • Traumatic changes in personal relationships (e.g., loss, death)
  • References to suicide
  • Drug and alcohol abuse
  • Sleeping and eating problems
  • Learning/academic problems or declines in performance or class attendance
  • Worry about failure, dropping out or transferring.


--Use the referral list in your manual to assist you in making a proper referral. 

--Discuss this referral when you make your required “after contact consultation.”


Counseling Center Referrals

When making a counseling center referral, it is not advisable to attempt to deceive or trick the contact into seeking counseling. Except in emergencies, the option must be left open for the contact to accept or refuse counseling.


Ways you can assist a student who is reluctant to seek counseling:

  • Remind the student of the Counseling Center’s policy of strict confidentiality.
  • Remind the student that services are available at no cost.
  • Point out that a situation does not have to reach crisis proportions for him/her to benefit from professional help.
  • Acknowledge, validate, and discuss the student’s real fears and concerns about seeking help.
  • Emphasize that, although some people feel that seeking counseling is an admission of weakness or failure, it in fact takes considerable courage and integrity to face oneself and acknowledge one’s limitations.
  • Offer to accompany the student to the Counseling Center or offer to assist him or her in setting up an appointment.