Student Counseling Services (SCS) is pleased to offer consultation services to Iowa State faculty, staff, students, and concerned family and friends of ISU students.
Consultation Services for Iowa State Students
It is common for students to have questions about mental health issues for themselves as well as for the important people in their lives.
Any ISU student may utilize SCS for consultation about general mental health issues or to get advice about how to handle a situation in their lives. We have on-call counselors Monday-Friday, 8:00am-5:00pm who you may talk to on the phone or in person. We also strongly encourage students to utilize our Let’s Talk program. Let’s Talk is an informal consultation program staffed by SCS counselors in the Memorial Union, Multicultural Center Reflection Room. This is a free, confidential service.
At times, student request that we reach out to other Iowa State students. Unfortunately, this is not a service that we can provide. However, we are very fortunate to have the staff of Student Assistance and Outreach Services (within Dean of Students) as a resource to reach out to students. Further, if you are ever concerned about the well-being of an Iowa State student, you may contact the Iowa State University Police Department with your concerns. They may be able to conduct or facilitate a welfare check.
Referring an Iowa State Student to Student Counseling Services
It is very helpful to speak to the student about whom you are concerned and encourage that person to call SCS to schedule an initial appointment. It is appropriate to offer the phone number or our website information. It may be helpful to be prepared to non-judgmentally describe for the student you are concerned about why you are concerned about them, that you care, and although you may not be able to “fix” what is happening you are committed to helping them get resources to improve their well-being.
Information for Friends and Family about Mental Health Matters
Consultation Services for Family and Friends of ISU Students
We are available for consultation when friends or family have questions or concerns about the well-being of an ISU student. We have on-call counselors during our business hours, Monday-Friday 8:00am-5:00pm who are able to speak with you on the phone or meet in person if necessary.
We may always take information about a student, however, we are typically not able to release information without written consent from the individual. This means we cannot confirm or deny that a student has or is using our services without written permission from that student. At times, family or friends request that we reach out to an Iowa State student. Unfortunately, this is not a service that we can provide. However, we are very fortunate to have the staff of Student Assistance and Outreach Services (within Dean of Students) as a resource to reach out to students. Further, if you are ever concerned about the well-being of an ISU student, you may contact Iowa State University Police Department with your concerns. They may be able to conduct or facilitate a welfare check.
Iowa State University offers a Parent Advisory Line to field questions for parents and family of ISU students. They help connect the caller to resources that will aid the caller and the ISU student. To contact this line please call 800-772-8546 or contact them via email at parents@iastate.edu
Consultation Services for Faculty and Staff
Our staff is available to consult with you regarding questions you may have about our services, how to refer to Student Counseling Services, or if you have specific concerns about a student. Due to our privacy and confidentiality practices, we generally cannot provide information to you about a student without prior written authorization. You may always provide information about a student to us. We also strongly encourage you to utilize Dean of Students/Student Assistance to discuss having an ISU staff member reach out to the student. In cases of crisis or imminent danger to self or others, please call Iowa State University Police Department or 911.
In addition to consultation, we routinely offer trainings to faculty and staff on responding to students in distress. In addition to general, brief trainings on responding to students in distress. We are pleased to be able to offer the RESPOND training program. Opportunities to participate in this training are typically available during summer sessions.