How Faculty & Staff Can Assist Students in Distress
Teachers and staff are often the first to notice when a student is struggling鈥攖hrough changes in behaviour, hygiene, or attendance. Students may act unusually or share personal difficulties, especially when unable to complete their work.
If you’re concerned about a student, you鈥檙e in a key position to offer support and refer them for help. Our mental health professionals are available to consult with faculty, staff, parents, and students.
Contact us at mentalhealth@dawsoncollege.qc.ca A mental health professional will follow up to discuss your concerns and suggest ways to assist or refer the student, either within Dawson or to community resources.
All requests for Mental Health Services are now processed through our intake email:聽 mentalhealth@dawsoncollege.qc.ca聽which is monitored Monday to Friday, from 8:30am to 4:30pm.
Tips for Referring a Student to Mental Health Services
- Speak privately and express concern. Most students respond well to genuine interest and care.
- Share specific observations (e.g. missed classes, poor grades, unusual behaviour) to highlight your concern and show that you’ve noticed.
- Respect their choice. Except in emergencies, it鈥檚 up to the student to accept help. If they are hesitant, suggest revisiting the idea later.
- Address common concerns. Reassure the student that:
- Psychotherapy at Dawson is free, confidential, and voluntary
- They can stop at any time or request a different therapist
- Therapists want to listen, understand, and help explore solutions.
- Offer practical support. Help them make an appointment if needed. If they’re very upset or unlikely to follow through, offer to call or accompany them.
- In urgent cases, contact us directly at mentalhealth@dawsoncollege.qc.ca or call extension 1186.
- Frame psychotherapy positively. Emphasize that seeking support is a mature and proactive step and not a weakness.
- Follow up. Ask how it went and encourage them to continue if they鈥檙e unsure. Your support can help them get through the initial discomfort.
Please note: Due to confidentiality, we cannot share any details about the student鈥檚 file, including whether they attended.
Mental Health Services are located in room 4E.2 from 8:30am to 5:30pm (excluding weekends and holidays)
