Consultation

Pepperdine Counseling Center clinicians provide consultation with those concerned about Pepperdine students. We are open to speaking with parents, friends, staff, and faculty about a range of issues, including:

• strategies for helping a student connect with the Counseling Center or other on-campus support
• concerns about a particular student who might be experiencing emotional distress or struggling with mental health
• concerns about the impact of an individual's distressing behaviors on others
• referrals to community mental health providers and services
• opportunities for training on mental health issues and strategies for helping students

Please understand that all information about our clients is completely confidential (even the fact that they are clients). However, we may still be able to provide general information about how to understand, provide assistance, or get help for the person or situation you describe. Confidentiality does not limit what you can tell us.

Those wishing to come into the Center for a consultation appointment should call 310.506.4210 for an appointment. Consultation may also be offered over the phone. If a clinician is not immediately available when you call, your call will be returned.

Services for Faculty and Staff Members

Pepperdine faculty and staff are involved in students' lives in a number of ways which give them the opportunity to hear about, or directly observe, students in distress. The Counseling Center encourages faculty and staff to refer students to the Counseling Center or to call for a consultation to discuss the situation and determine the most supportive plan.

What to Watch Out For

The following is a list of some of the indicators that may signify that a student is struggling in some way, and may benefit from a referral to the Counseling Center:

What to Do

Suggest to the student that they may want to take advantage of the services available at the Counseling Center.

Please remind students that there is no charge for counseling and that the Counseling Center welcomes students to come to deal with minor "bumps in the road" such as time management concerns, relationship issues, or homesickness, but the Counseling Center is also prepared to respond to more serious issues, including depression, anxiety, eating disorders, and addictions.

If you are concerned about a student, contact the Counseling Center at 310.506.4210 for a consultation or you may refer the student to the Counseling Center.

In an Emergency

If the situation is extremely urgent, seems dangerous, or immediately disruptive, please call Public Safety at 310.506.4441.

Services for Students

The encouragement of friends is one of the most common reasons that Pepperdine students come to the Counseling Center.

If you are worried about a friend, it is typically helpful to gently, but directly, share your concern and remind your friend that counseling services are available. Offer to go with them, or to help them call to make the appointment.

If you would like more personalized tips on how to have this conversation, or if after an initial conversation with your friend, you continue to have a concern and need more suggestions, please call to set up an appointment for a phone or in-person consultation.

If you are worried about your friend's immediate safety, and it is after hours, please call Public Safety at 310.506.4441.

Services for Parents

Please call the counseling center at 310.506.4210 if you would like to discuss mental health-related concerns you have regarding your student.

If you have immediate concerns after office hours, please call Public Safety at 310.506.4441.

Comprehensive information for parents about depression, suicide, and trauma can be found on the Jed Foundation website.