Ottoson Middle School
School Counseling
The Dream Team
how can i talk to my counselor?
School Counselors use an Appointment Request form that students (not parents!) can use to request an appointment with their counselor. The form allows for students to request an appointment on their own, give their counselor a little bit of information about what they want to discuss, and allows the counselor to find a convenient time in their schedule (and yours!) to meet. If something is urgent (like a safety issue) then an appointment doesn't have to be made - always seek out a trusted adult immediately if there is a safety concern.
WHAT DOES A SCHOOL COUNSELOR DO?
Middle school students are characterized by rapid physical growth, curiosity about their world and an emerging self-identity. Middle school counselors have an impact on these years by implementing a school counseling program and collaborating with school staff, parents and the community to create a safe, respectful learning environment whereby young adolescents can maximize personal and academic achievement. Middle school counselors enhance the learning process and promote academic, career and social/emotional development. School counseling programs are essential for students to achieve optimal personal growth, acquire positive social skills and values, set informed career goals and realize full academic potential to become productive, contributing members of the world community.
things school counselors help with...
Recognize mental health warning signs including:
- changes in school performance and attendance
- mood changes
- complaints of illness before school
- increased disciplinary problems at school
Problems at home or with the family situation
Communication with teachers about problems at school
Dealing with existing mental health concerns
Deliver instruction that proactively enhances awareness of mental health; promotes positive, healthy behaviors; and seeks to remove the stigma associated with mental health issues
Provide students with appraisal and advisement addressing their academic, career and social/emotional needs
Provide short-term counseling and crisis intervention focused on mental health or situational concerns such as grief or difficult transitions
Provide referrals to school and community resources that treat mental health issues (suicidal ideation, violence, abuse and depression) with the intent of removing barriers to learning and helping the student return to the classroom
Educate teachers, administrators, families and community stakeholders about the mental health concerns of students
Recognize and address barriers to accessing mental health services and the associated stigma, including cultural beliefs and linguistic impediments
Adhere to appropriate guidelines regarding confidentiality, the distinction between public and private information and consultation
Seek to continually update their professional knowledge regarding the students’ social/emotional needs, including best practices in universal screening for mental health risk
Advocate for ethical use of valid and reliable universal screening instruments with concerns for cultural sensitivity and bias if state legislation or school board policy requires universal screening programs for mental health risk factors
Help identify and address students’ mental health issues while working within the:
- ASCA Ethical Standards for School Counselors
- ASCA Professional Standards & Competencies for School Counselors
- National, state and local legislation, which guides school counselors’ informed decision-making and standardizes professional practice to protect both the student and school counselor