Concerned about a Student?
The Psychological Counseling Center (PCC) staff provides assistance to students, friends, family members, administrators, professional staff, faculty, and other staff of the campus community regarding troubled students. Phone calls, and in-person consultation services with those who are concerned about a student, are a regular part of PCC's responsibility to the college community. Please contact the PCC promptly 845-257-2920 (after-hours call University Police at 845-257-2222 and ask for the "Emergency Contact for Student Consult") if you have concerns about a student. Sometimes, a student's behavior may seem minor, but may indicate significant distress. PCC values a proactive approach in maintaining a safe living and learning community.
Family members concerned about their student are invited to contact PCC to discuss their worries. Read answers to commonly asked questions.
Staff of the campus community are in a unique position to directly observe students on a regular basis, and may notice emotional, social, or behavioral changes and concerns. Staff are encouraged to contact PCC promptly to discuss their concerns; read more information.
Friends may notice that a fellow student's behavior or appearance has changed. Friends concerned about a fellow student are encouraged to contact Residence Life staff, OASIS/HAVEN, or the PCC to discuss their concerns. Read more information.
When a family member, faculty/staff, or friend contacts the PCC with concerns about a student, the PCC staff will make recommendations as to how to speak with the student, and how to refer to the Psychological Counseling Center. In most situations, the PCC staff member acts as a consultant to the person calling, helping that person respond more effectively to the student of concern. Students have said that referrals to the PCC have enabled them to cope more favorably with their difficulties, and to successfully remain in school.
The following topics are typical of those that PCC staff have discussed with callers who have expressed concerns about a New Paltz student:
- Talk of suicide and/or suicidal behaviors
- Writing about suicide, being a burden, or not going on
- Roommate problems
- Relationship breakup
- Homesickness
- Difficulty transitioning to college
- Unwanted sexual experiences
- Stress/Anxiety
- Academic failure/Change in academic performance
- Acting out in the classroom
- Grief
- Impact of separation and divorce
- Negative changes in physical appearance
- Bizarre behavior/Illogical thoughts
- Unusual irritability
- Alcohol/Substance abuse
Not sure if it is an Emergency?
If you are concerned that a student may be at risk to self or others, contact the PCC at 845-257-2920, call campus police at 845-257-2222 or dial 911.
A Note About Confidentiality
There have been occasions when friends, family members, and faculty/staff have referred a student to the PCC, and then wanted a follow-up contact from the PCC counselor to confirm that the student came for an appointment. Counselors are bound by legal and ethical guidelines to maintain client confidentiality. Thus, friends, family members, and campus staff should be aware that PCC counselors cannot report whether a student is coming for services without the student's consent. Read more about confidentiality.
