CSU Health Network Care for Body and Mind

Confidentiality is an essential part of any counseling relationship. The CSU Health Network staff adheres to the ethical standards of their respective professions and to state and federal laws relating to confidentiality. These standards and laws prevent us from speaking with concerned parents about their student's contact with the Center unless we have the student's written permission. Thus, unless your child gives us written permission, we cannot acknowledge whether your child has been seen at the Center or is making progress in counseling. The only exceptions occur when a student is under 16 years of age, when we are concerned that a student is clearly and imminently suicidal, when we learn of ongoing child abuse, or when we are ordered to release confidential information by a court of law.

Many students prefer to keep their counseling completely private, and such privacy is typically vital for successful counseling. Assuming your child is, however, willing to have one of the counselors discuss her or his participation in counseling with you, one good way to arrange for this is by asking your child to have the counselor call you during a counseling session. The counselor will then have your child complete and sign the necessary form, and may call you using a speaker telephone, so that all concerned can participate in the conversation. Note that, in general, counseling is best served if everything parents have to share with their child's counselor is also shared with their child.

Even if your child doesn't give the counselor permission to provide information to you, you may choose to contact a counselor to share your concerns. Such contact may make sense, for example, if you are concerned that your child is in serious danger. Note, however, that the counselor will not be able to even acknowledge knowing your child. While this can make for an awkward "conversation," it is what counseling center staff must do to be in compliance with the law. Nonetheless, you can rest assured that we will hear your concerns.

The college years can present unique challenges for students and their parents. Below you will find information about:

• Understanding the transition to college
• Services provided by CSU’s CSU Health Network (CSU Health Network)
• CSU Health Network as a resource for parents
• Confidentiality and parents
• Other helpful resources

For your child, college will likely be a period of intellectual stimulation and growth, career exploration and development, increased autonomy, self-exploration and discovery, and social involvement. During this period, students may forge new identities or seek to clarify their values and beliefs. This may require an examination of self, friends, and family. It may also be a time for exploration and experimentation, and a period in which your child may question or challenge the values you hold dear. The changes that students may experience can occur quickly, as they begin to develop new peer relationships, gain competence in new areas, and learn to manage independence. It is important to recognize that every student will experience  unique challenges and adjustments, just as every parent will have different expectations for and reactions to their child's college experience.

Often overlooked is the fact that the college experience is a significant transition for the parents of college students, too. As parents, you may experience feelings of happiness, excitement, and pride when your child leaves for college. At the same time, you may feel a sense of sadness and pain and have many understandable fears and concerns about your child’s future and well-being. Parents may worry about students’ safety and ability to care effectively for themselves. You may fear "losing" your child as he or she begins to function more independently and forms deep attachments with peers. You may be concerned about how your child will deal with alcohol, drugs, and sexual relationships. You may also wonder how your child's performance in college will reflect on you as the parent.

Here are some ways you might support your child:

Although your child wants and needs to become more autonomous during this period, it is important for them to know you are still available. Maintaining a supportive relationship with them can be critical, particularly during their first year of college. If you and your child were not particularly close prior to their leaving home, it is still important for you to convey your support. You may be surprised to find that having some emotional and physical distance between you can help improve your relationship.

It is important to maintain regular contact with your child, but also to allow space for your child to approach you and set the agenda for some of your conversations. Let your child know that you respect and support their right to make independent decisions and that you will serve as an advocate and an advisor when asked. Finally, recognize that it is normal for your child to seek your help one day and reject it the next. Such behavior can be confusing and exhausting for parents, so make sure to take care of yourself by talking about your feelings with your own support system.

Be realistic and specific with your child about financial issues, including what you will and will not pay for, as well as your expectations for how they will spend money.

It is also important to be realistic about your child's academic performance, recognizing that not every straight-A student in high school will be a straight-A student in college. Help your student set reasonable academic goals; and encourage them to seek academic assistance when needed.

The fact that your child has left home does not necessarily prevent family problems from arising or continuing. Refrain from burdening your child with problems from home. Sharing these problems with your son or daughter may cause excessive worry and even feelings of guilt that they are away from home and unable to help.

Find out contact information for faculty and staff involved in the various aspects of your child's college experience. If you have questions, or if a particular problem arises, contact the appropriate person, but make sure to involve your child in a collaborative effort to address the problem. Please click on the related links for contact information.
Here are some ways you might support yourself:

• Recognize that it is normal to have mixed feelings when your child leaves home. Feelings of pain and loss often accompany separation from loved ones. It is also normal to feel a sense of relief when your child leaves for college, and to look forward to some time alone, or with your significant other, or with younger children.
• Do your best to develop and maintain your own social support.
• Do your best to maintain your own sense of well-being. This may involve eating and sleeping well, exercising, and setting new and creative goals. Perhaps this is a good time to do some of things you put off while your children were growing up - taking on a project or hobby can be an excellent way to channel your energy and feelings.

CSU Health Network provides free, confidential services for enrolled CSU students, including individual and group counseling; walk-in consultations, emergency psychological services and outreach programs. Students seek counseling for a variety of reasons, including interpersonal relationship concerns, loneliness, isolation, emotional difficulties including depression and anxiety, eating problems, and identity issues. Normally these problems are relatively temporary and students recover fairly quickly; however, if the intensity or persistence of any of the problems makes it hard for your child to function effectively, or if your child is experiencing suicidal thoughts or feelings, it is advisable to encourage your child to come to CSU Health Network right away. It usually works best to allow your child to take the initiative in accessing our services-if you are the one who calls and makes an appointment, your child may be less likely to follow through. However, we are happy to hear from you regarding any concerns you may have. If you perceive your child to be unusually isolated or angry, or they are exhibiting any behavior that worries you, give us a call.

Counseling Services as a Resource for Parents

CSU Health Network provides consultations to parents concerned about their children. Such consultations can focus on a range of issues, including how to assist a student experiencing a difficult situation, how to refer a student to CSU Health Network, or how to locate appropriate mental health treatment in the community. To secure a consultation, call CSU Health Network at (970) 491-6053 and ask to speak with a counselor.

Confidentiality and Parents

Confidentially is an essential part of any counseling relationship. The CSU Health Network staff adheres to the ethical standards of their respective professions and to state and federal laws relating to confidentiality. These standards and laws prevent us from speaking with concerned parents about their child's contact with the Center unless we have a student’s written permission to do so. Thus, unless your student gives us written permission, we cannot acknowledge whether your student has been seen at the Center or is making progress in counseling. The only exceptions occur when a student is underage, when we are concerned that a student is clearly and imminently suicidal, when we learn of ongoing child abuse, or when we are ordered to release confidential information by a court of law.