Counseling Center Resources

Our expert and caring staff have provided information to help you if you believe your student is experiencing issues with any of the following topics:

Often, students tell their professors or staff members when they are experiencing problems or are in trouble. The information on this site will provide you with options to help students who may be struggling with either physical or mental health issues.

Faculty and staff have very important roles in the lives of Ball State students. In addition to providing academic learning to students, you also mentor them, encourage them, and inspire them.

Faculty and staff can also be one of the first ones to realize when something is not going right in a student’s life. Perhaps a student suddenly quits going to classes, or dozes off during a lecture, performs much worse on tests and quizzes, or appears more irritable during classroom discussion. While changes of this nature can signal many things, it may also indicate that the student is struggling with an emotional problem and needs help.

Psychological Disorders

If a student needs an accommodation due to a psychological disorder, contact Disability Services to learn about appropriate accommodations that may be recommended. Contact the office.

Why contact the Counseling Center?

Although not all inclusive, the following questions may point out a few instances and reasons for faculty and staff to consult with staff in the Counseling Center:

  • Are you concerned about a student's mental health?
  • Have you found a particular student to be intimidating?
  • Do you encounter student opposition and disruption in the classroom?
  • Are other students intimidated by another student's behavior?
  • Have you ever been concerned that a student might hurt him/herself or someone else?
  • Have you been or are you concerned about student aggression?

If you have questions about our services or you want to consult with us about a student, please contact us. If it is after university business hours and a student is an imminent risk to hurt themselves or others, call 911 or contact University Police at 765-285-1111 immediately.

How to Make Referrals

  • Your attitude of sincere interest and helpfulness toward a student in need is most important.
  • Reassurance is important. Assure him/her that seeking help is the first step to addressing his/her problem.
  • Timing is important. When a student is receptive toward a referral, offer to pick up the phone and assist him/her in making an appointment.
  • Purpose of the referral should be made clear to the student, and you should explain how the Counseling Center can assist him/her with his/her problems. There are many kinds of referrals.
  • Mutual decision regarding referrals creates the best climate for helping a student, unless he/she is seriously disturbed and unable to accept such responsibility. Threats or involuntary referrals make for hostile attitudes and/or unmotivated students.
  • Contact a staff member at the Counseling Center to share pertinent information about the person you referred. If you decide it is important to share information about the student with the Counseling Center staff, it is better to receive permission from the student beforehand

Referrals to the Counseling Center are more effective when you do one or more of the following:

  • encourage the student to seek out help for a particular reason or behavior
  • call ahead and have him/her make an appointment; and
  • escort the person to the Counseling Center

Contact Us