When a Community Referral May Be Recommended

There are certain situations where a student’s needs may be best met through longer-term, intensive, or specialized care beyond what NUCS can provide. A referral to an off-campus provider may be recommended in cases such as:

  • A need for long-term or weekly therapy beyond our brief treatment model
  • Frequent crisis interventions that require ongoing, intensive care
  • Chronic mental health conditions needing specialized or continuous support
  • Serious risk factors, including a history of multiple psychiatric hospitalizations, suicide attempts, or self-harm requiring specialized care
  • Concerns requiring specialty treatment, such as:
    • Eating disorders that pose a medical risk
    • Substance use requiring structured treatment or drug testing
    • Highly specialized therapies (e.g., EMDR, psychoanalysis, DBT programs)

Other Reasons for Referral

Referrals may also be made in the following situations:

  • Limited engagement in treatment, including frequent missed appointments or difficulty identifying treatment goals
  • Ongoing treatment with another mental health provider
  • Counseling mandated by legal, academic, or employment requirements (e.g., court-ordered therapy, anger management, or substance use treatment)
  • Comprehensive psychological assessments (e.g., ADHD testing, neuropsychological evaluations, pre-surgical evaluations, fitness-for-duty assessments)
  • Behavioral concerns that interfere with a safe and productive therapeutic environment

Our Commitment to Helping You Find the Right Support

If a referral is in your best interest, our team will help guide you in identifying appropriate community treatment options. While we do not provide case management services, we strive to make the transition as smooth as possible so you can continue receiving the care you need.
If you have questions about our services or whether we are the right fit for your needs, we encourage you to reach out—we are here to help.