Here are some answers to common questions that parents often have about counseling services at Steinbeck.
What does the school counselor do? My role is to support all students succeed academically, socially, emotionally and help them be successful in future college and careers. Every student sees the school counselor about once a month for a classroom lessons about a social emotional topic. The district counselors work on these lessons together and each student receives them in the classroom. Students can be seen individually and in groups if they are referred by parents or staff. Students can be seen for a variety of reasons, including handling anxiety and stress, academic struggles and other social emotional concerns.
How do I get in touch with the school counselor? Feel free to call or text my Google Voice at 831-264-8036, email me at travis.jones@alisal.org or join my Remind group by downloading the app and using the code @3ff62b. You can also call 831-753-5780 ext. 4167 or complete the referral form on the "Forms" section. Lastly, join my Remind Group. Download the app and addf the class using the code @3ff62b. I use Remind to inform parents about school wide events and what I am teaching the kids.
Do students need parent permission to see the counselor? Yes, students do need parent permission to see the counselor after meeting me for the first time. This is true unless there is an emergency. The consent forms are on the "Forms" section of this site.
When are students seen by the counselor? I try to see students about once a week until we have made some progress toward their goals. However, that is difficult to always maintain because of other obligations. Students will still be seen as often as possible and when they need extra support.
Do parents get to know what their child says in counseling? Most things students say in counseling are confidential, meaning it is not told to anyone else. This is so I can maintain trust and positive relationships with students. However, there are limits to confidentiality. Parents and appropriate resources, such as our principals and law enforcement could be notified if a student is a hurting themselves or others, or if someone is hurting them.
How do I know if my child could benefit from counseling? Students have many stressors like school, friends and even family. Signs that students are in need include a change in behavior, seeming depressed or angry, decreased grades or attendance, a loss of interest in fun activities and dangerous behaviors. Any student could benefit from having someone to talk to! The goal is always top help them, please feel free to reach out if you believe your child could benefit from additional support.
What is the different between the school counselor and the school psychologists and other mental health professionals? The school counselor works with all students to support them academically, socially and emotionally. The school physiologist works with students to see if they qualify for special education. Therapists work with people with clients with more intense mental health concerns. School counseling is not therapy.