EIU Counseling Clinic

Refer a Friend

If you’re worried about a friend, know that you’re not alone and you don’t have to figure it out by yourself. The EIU Counseling Clinic offers consultation services to help you support someone who may be struggling.

Friends, roommates, RAs, faculty, and family are often the first to notice when something’s not right. Whether it’s a change in behavior, recent trauma, or signs of serious distress, our staff can help you think through what you’ve observed and decide the best way to respond.

How to Support a Friend

• Talk to them directly and in private. A caring, honest conversation can open the door to support.

• Share what you’ve noticed. For example: “You’ve seemed really down lately, and I’m worried about you.”

• Stay honest and respectful. If they’re hesitant about counseling, let them know it’s okay to take their time and that it’s a personal choice.

• Reassure them. Counseling is free, confidential, and completely voluntary. They can end services at any time or request a different counselor if needed.

• Offer to help. You can offer to call with them or even walk them to the Counseling Clinic if they’re overwhelmed.

When to Contact the Counseling Clinic for a Consultation

If you're unsure how to help or concerned about someone’s safety, you can always reach out to us. We’ll talk through the situation with you and help decide next steps, whether that means outreach, a referral, or additional resources.

Call or visit us during office hours (8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., closed from 12–1 p.m.)