Information for Medaille University Students →

What Type of Counseling Appointment is Appropriate?

Level 1: Emergency

Student is at IMMEDIATE RISK:

  • Plan/intent of taking their own life or someone else’s life
  • Student has taken recent steps to end their life or harm someone else

Level 2: Urgent

Student is dealing with personal crisis that needs rapid attention such as:

  • Suicidal or homicidal thoughts
  • Recent sexual assault or other significant trauma
  • Death of significant person in their life
  • Current symptoms such as: hallucinations, paranoia, lack of need to sleep for the last several days and still having plenty of energy, and major difficulty functioning

Level 3: Standard Appointment

Student is demonstrating concerns such as:

  • Crying spells/tearfulness
  • Anxiety/stress/panic attacks/depression
  • Relationship concerns/break ups
  • Self-image/eating and body image concerns
  • Academic difficulties
  • Adjustment/homesickness
  • Self-esteem/self-confidence
  • Trouble making life decisions
  • Self-injurious behavior without suicidal intent

Level 4: Consultation

Student is not interested in therapy but would like to talk to a counselor about:

  • Concern for a friend
  • Needing a referral for community provider (for medication or counseling)

Level 1 and Level 2 contact Counseling Services at (716) 286-8536 if available to assist. If not, contact Campus Safety at (716) 286-8111 or Niagara Crisis Services at (716) 285-3515. If you truly feel the student is in imminent danger---CALL 911!

Level 3 and Level 4 students do not need to be walked over and/or immediately seen by Counselor.  It may be helpful to allow them to call from your office to make an appointment, and this step can often be calming as a step in taking control. This is a great opportunity to encourage empowerment on their behalf.