Mental Health Resources: What VASCOs Need to Know
Recognize warning signs, understand referral protocols, and support student veteran mental health while maintaining appropriate professional boundaries
As a VASCO, you're not a mental health professional—but you're often the first person a struggling veteran talks to. You notice when attendance drops, performance declines, or a usually engaged student withdraws. Understanding basic mental health awareness, knowing when and how to refer, and maintaining appropriate boundaries can literally save lives.
⚠️ Critical Distinction
Your role is to recognize, refer, and support—NOT to diagnose, treat, or counsel. VASCOs are not therapists. Knowing this boundary protects both you and the student.
Recognizing Warning Signs
Academic & Behavioral Changes
Gradual Changes (May Indicate Developing Issues)
- • Declining grades over multiple weeks
- • Increasing absences or late arrivals
- • Withdrawing from social activities
- • Difficulty concentrating or completing tasks
- • Changes in appearance or hygiene
- • Expressing hopelessness or despair
Acute Changes (Require Immediate Action)
- • Sudden dramatic performance drop
- • Complete disengagement or isolation
- • Expressions of wanting to hurt self/others
- • Giving away possessions
- • Saying goodbye to people
- • Extreme mood swings or outbursts
Veteran-Specific Indicators
PTSD Symptoms
Hypervigilance (sitting with back to wall), startle responses to loud noises, avoidance of crowds, difficulty with group work, mentions of nightmares or flashbacks
Transition Struggles
Missing military structure, loss of identity, difficulty relating to traditional students, feeling "older" or out of place
Substance Use Changes
Mentions of increased drinking, using substances to sleep or cope with stress
Your Role: Boundaries & Best Practices
The Three Rs: Recognize, Refer, Support
1. Recognize
Notice changes in behavior, performance, or wellbeing. Trust your instincts.
2. Refer
Connect student with appropriate mental health resources. Don't try to "fix" it yourself.
3. Support
Continue academic/benefit support. Follow up. Show you care about their success.
✅ Do This
- • Express concern: "I've noticed you seem stressed lately"
- • Listen without judgment
- • Provide specific referrals with contact info
- • Offer to walk them to counseling center
- • Follow up after referral
- • Continue your normal supportive role
- • Document concerning behaviors (date, what you observed)
❌ Don't Do This
- • Attempt to diagnose: "You have PTSD"
- • Provide therapy or counseling
- • Promise confidentiality you can't keep
- • Minimize their feelings: "Everyone feels that way"
- • Share personal mental health history
- • Take on therapist role
- • Ignore serious warning signs
Referral Resources & Protocols
Campus Resources
Campus Counseling Center
Primary referral for most mental health concerns. Know their:
- • Phone number and walk-in hours
- • Typical wait time for appointments
- • Services they provide vs. don't provide
- • How to refer students (formal process or informal?)
- • Crisis intervention protocols
Campus Safety/Police
For immediate safety concerns. Know when to call campus police vs. counseling center vs. 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
Dean of Students/Care Team
For complex situations involving multiple concerns (academic + mental health + housing, etc.)
Veteran-Specific Resources
VA Mental Health Services
Veterans can access VA mental health even if using GI Bill (benefits are separate)
Crisis Line: 988, then press 1
Vet Centers
Community-based counseling for combat veterans and those with military sexual trauma. Free, confidential.
Student Veterans of America
Peer support through campus chapter. Sometimes easier first step than formal counseling.
Military OneSource
Free counseling for recently separated veterans. 12 free sessions per issue.
Crisis Protocols
When to Take Immediate Action
Call 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) or campus police immediately if student:
- • Expresses intent to harm self or others
- • Has specific plan for suicide
- • Has means to carry out plan
- • Shows dramatic change suggesting imminent crisis
- • You believe they are in immediate danger
Your Action Steps:
- 1. Stay with the student or ensure someone stays with them
- 2. Call crisis line (988, campus police, or counseling emergency line)
- 3. Remove means if safely possible (medications, weapons)
- 4. Stay calm and don't leave them alone until help arrives
- 5. Document what happened and follow up with campus protocols
💡 It's Better to Over-React Than Under-React
If you're unsure whether something is a crisis, call your campus counseling center and describe what you're observing. They can help you assess and determine next steps. Never worry about "bothering" them—this is exactly what they're there for.
Self-Care for VASCOs
Managing Vicarious Trauma
Hearing difficult stories repeatedly takes a toll. Protect your own mental health:
- • Set boundaries on when/where you discuss student concerns
- • Debrief with colleagues or supervisor after difficult situations
- • Use your institution's Employee Assistance Program if needed
- • Practice regular self-care (exercise, sleep, activities you enjoy)
- • Recognize when you need professional support—you can't pour from empty cup
Key Takeaways
- 1.Your role is Recognize, Refer, Support—not diagnose or treat
- 2.Know your campus and veteran-specific mental health resources well
- 3.In crisis situations, always err on side of caution—call for help
- 4.Practice self-care to prevent vicarious trauma and burnout