Frequently Asked Questions

Any El Rincon staff member (teacher, administrator, resource teacher, school psychologist, etc.) or parent/guardian can refer a student for counseling. Students may also submit self-referrals.

Students are referred for counseling for various reasons: 

• Academic or personal challenges

When a student's issues are interfering with their academic work or personal life

• Mental health

When a student is struggling with anxiety, anger, sadness, or other emotions that disrupt their daily activities and/or routines, etc. 

• Social development

When a student could benefit from developing social skills - learning how to get along with others, follow rules, practice empathy, etc.

• Disruptive behavior

When a student's behavior is causing concern or disrupting the learning of others (e.g., behaviors disruptive to instruction or cause safety risks to self and/or others, etc.)

A teacher may consider a referral if they feel uncomfortable helping a student or if the student's issues are beyond their expertise. Parents may also refer students for counseling.

First, a student, staff member, or parent contacts the school counselor about a concern. After further consultation with parent/guardian and/or the teacher, and it has been determined that the student should receive school counseling services, the school counselor will agree to conduct school counseling services. 

A student may also be referred for counseling by the school counselor if a student's social emotional survey (i.e. SAEBRS) identifies him/her/they as "at risk".

Second, a school counseling referral is submitted. (The information in the referral form helps the school counselor determine what needs to be addressed and scheduling.)

Then, a school counseling consent form is sent to the parent or guardian. (School counseling services will not continue beyond one session until the consent form is returned - even when a school counseling referral has been submitted.)

Students engage in lesson activities that cater to their academic, social, and/or emotional needs. Some activities include games, videos, discussions, producing art, and so much more! Depending on need/availability, students may participate in a small groups with two to four participants, or individually. 

Sessions last up to 30 minutes (depending on age) and can take place from 1-8 sessions. The first 1-2 sessions can involve rapport building. 

Students can also receive counseling when in crisis, for trauma related situations, for mediation/restorative action.

School counseling services primarily takes place in the Family Center (Room 8). 

School counseling sessions take place during WIN (i.e. "What I Need") - a special time all grade level teachers use for smaller group/individualized academic intervention. It is also the time students may receive indiviual services from other support staff (e.g., reading/math interventionists).

Oftentimes, sessions may also take place during lunch and/or PE.

Special circumstances may require some school counseling sessions to take place during instruction.

Yes. You can meet with the school counselor to discuss concerns about your student. Click here to set up an appointment.

School counseling services are not mandatory. School counseling services are part of the school program and they may be offered to students, but again they are not required to participate. Students may also decline services - even if parents/guardians have provided consent. Parents/Guardians will be notified of services offered and if student declines.

Yes. School-based counseling services are short-term - being provided for 6-8 sessions per individual and group session for the school year. Students needing mental health services beyond school counseling may be referred to outside mental health health services.

Yes. Parents/guardians may decline school counseling services, which would be indicated on the consent form you would receive if your student receives an invitation to attend a session.