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Faculty & Staff Resources

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In many cases of student distress, faculty and staff provide adequate help through empathic listening, facilitating open discussion of problems, instilling hope, conveying acceptance, and offering basic advice. In some cases, however, students need professional help to overcome problems and to resume effective coping.

The following signs indicate that a student may need counseling:

  • The student remains distressed following repeated attempts by you and others to be helpful;
  • The student becomes increasingly isolated, unkempt, irritable, or disconnected;
  • The student’s academic or social performance deteriorates;
  • The student’s behavior reflects increased hopelessness or helplessness;
  • You find yourself doing on-going counseling rather than consultation or brief advising.
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How to Refer a Student to CAPS

It is best to speak to the student in a direct, concerned, straightforward manner. Because many students initially resist the idea of counseling, be caring but firm in your judgment that counseling would be helpful. Also be clear about the reasons that you are concerned.

Be knowledgeable in advance about the services and procedures of Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) and other campus help-giving agencies. The best referrals are made to specific people or services.

Remind the student that services are  free and confidential.

Suggest that the student call to make an appointment and provide the CAPS phone number (657) 278-3040. Sometimes it is useful to more actively assist students in scheduling an initial counseling appointment. You can offer the use of your phone or call the receptionist yourself while the student waits in your office. In some situations, you may find it wise to walk the student over to CAPS.

If you need help in deciding whether or not it is appropriate to make a referral, call Counseling and Psychological Services at  (657) 278-3040  to consult with a counselor.

Virtual Walk Over Procedures

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Additional Information

Helping Students in Distress:
A Faculty and Staff Guide for Assisting Students in Need

Faculty and staff members are encouraged to download and review this guide. It provides strategies on interacting with and providing assistance to students.

When to Call for a Welfare Check

Faculty and staff are encouraged to refer to this document  for when they believe a student is in danger and needs to be checked on.

Red Folder

See something... Say something... Do something

diagram of the red folderCAPS is pleased to bring you the Red Folder, a resource guide for faculty and staff directed by the CSU Chancellor’s Office. The CSU recognizes that individuals may seek support and counseling from faculty and staff members with whom they have fostered a trusting relationship.   

The Red Folder reference guide contains information, safety tips, and contact information on a variety of emergency campus and community resources to immediately help CSU students in distress. Additionally, it provides guidance on responding to incidents in which an individual might be of danger to self or a threat to others. The Red Folder was developed by a system wide workgroup consisting of Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) directors, counselors, student conduct administrators, and health educators. This project was designed to put at your fingertips the information you need to identify, respond, and refer individuals in distress.

Employees of CSUF should have access to the Red Folder on the desktop of their computer and in the staff portal.

Mental Health Ally Program For Faculty & Staff- Newly FDC Certified

Counseling & Psychological Services Announces an Expansion of Services

Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS) is excited to offer the Mental Health Ally Program! The Mental Health Ally Program is designed to provide mental health education, empower mental health allyship, and help Cal State Fullerton (CSUF) students by creating a campus culture that supports mental health. The three-hour program is designed to explore how to become an informed mental health ally, review what mental health looks like, and identify specific strategies regarding how to become a mental health ally.

  The topics covered include, but are not limited to, mental health stigma and culture, current mental health concerns and related statistics, steps to refer students in crisis to appropriate resources, and holistic CAPS services. Participating faculty and staff will receive a Mental Health Ally sticker for their workspace, a digital badge and upon Canvas reflection completion can earn a Faculty Development Center (FDC) certificate.

The Mental Health Ally program was developed by the CSUF Counseling & Psychological Services Department: Dr. Jaime Sheehan, Dr. Kevin Thomas, Jacquelyn Gerali, LPCC and Jessica Leone, LMFT.

Mental Health Ally Program Dates

February 27, 2026 | 9AM-12PM | In- Person

March 6, 2026 | 9AM-12PM | Zoom

Please RSVP Here

Mental Health Ally Flyer

Mental Health Ally Resources Flyer