When to Refer

It can be difficult to determine when help is needed. Here are some general guidelines for when a referral to CARE may be needed.

If your efforts to manage a significant behavioral issue has not resolved the issue.
If the behavior is unusual or abnormal from what you know of the person.
If you are concerned about the welfare of an individual, yourself, or others.
If the individual’s behavior is starting to impact others ability to live and learn on campus.
If you have referred an individual to CARE in the past and there seems to be no improvement or behavior seems to be worsening.

Below you will find some information on behaviors that may warrant outside support.

Concerning Behavior

Distressing

Distressing behavior usually includes a significant change in a person’s appearance, performance or emotional state and may be impacting a person’s level of functioning.

Characteristics include:

Sleep disturbances (too much or too little)
Dramatic weight fluctuations/changes in eating patterns
Heightened emotional response (irritability, tearfulness)
Change in personal hygiene
Isolating from others
Overdependence on others

Disturbing

Disturbing behavior is most easily identified as “strange” or “odd” behavior that may cause alarm, fear or frustration.

Characteristics include:

Jokes about killing self
Self-mutilating (cutting, burning)
Expressed suicidal thoughts
Impaired speech or disjointed thoughts
Emotional responses may be incongruent and/or inappropriate
Disconnect with reality (talking to someone imaginary)
Paranoid thoughts
Bizarre behavior out of context for the situation

Dangerous

Dangerous behavior may be a red flag of a potential threat to the safety of others.

Characteristics include:

Dehumanization or objectification of others
Lack of empathy
Sense of entitlement
Attitude of superiority
Anger management problems
Entertains themes of violence in all areas of life
Broad-based feelings of persecution by others
Blames others for problems in life
Conspiracy and revenge themes

If the behavior you are concerned about does NOT fit these behaviors, here is a list of resources and referral options that may be better suited:

Academic Concerns: Not attending class, engaging, or responding to outreach? Submit an Academic Alert.

Employee Relations Concerns: Contact Human Resources at (208) 426-1616 for direction and assistance.

Financial Insecurity, Food Insecurity, or Homelessness: Review and refer to these Financial Resources, Food Resources, or call the Office of the Dean of Students (208) 426-1527 for direction.

If your concern does not fit into these categories, Boise State has several ways to report concerning behavior to the University. Learn about other Reporting Resources

When to Refer

Concerning Behavior

Distressing

Characteristics include:

Disturbing

Characteristics include:

Disruptive

Characteristics include:

Dangerous

Characteristics include:

Need Help?

Submit a CARE Alert Now

Need Help Now?

Need Other Options?

C/O OFFICE OF THE DEAN OF STUDENTS