How Can I See The Counselor?

A parent or a teacher may decide to refer a student to the counselor when they notice emotional indicators like:

• Sadness
• Loss of joy and interest
• Anxiety
• Trouble making and/or keeping friends
• Mood swings
• Feelings of isolation
• Helplessness and hopelessnes

To refer a student to the counselor, the first step that teachers and parents need to take, is to fill out a referral form. Referral forms are found in the elementary office. After the form is filled out, it can be given to any of the secretaries.

The counselors will conduct a brief screening to determine what is the best plan of action for a specific situation. When a teacher refers a student to the counselor, counselors always ask for authorization from the parents to talk to the child.

After the student is screened, a meeting is held to decide what is the best support plan for the child. The plan may consist of individual, small group counseling or external therapy depending on the case.

Students can also request direct support from the counselors. Parents will only be notified when the reasons for this support are not considered to be part of the typical developmental challenges that elementary students face.