Frequently Asked Questions About School Counseling Services:

The school counseling program at La Ballona Elementary School is designed in alignment with the American School Counselor Association (ASCA) National Model, the Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS/MTMDSS) framework, and Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) practices. Through these frameworks, school counseling services promote students' academic achievement, social/emotional development, college and career readiness, positive behavior, and overall well-being.

The school counselor collaborates with students, families, educators, and community partners to provide a continuum of supports that address student needs at the universal (Tier 1), targeted (Tier 2), and intensive (Tier 3) levels.

If you have additional questions, concerns, or feedback, please contact Mrs. Ulloa-Serrano at dianaserrano@ccusd.org 

Who can refer a student for school counseling services?

Students may be referred by:

• Parents/guardians

• Teachers

• Administrators

• Other school staff members

• The students themselves through self-referral

The school counselor may also identify students who could benefit from services through:

• Schoolwide data reviews

• Social-emotional and behavioral screening measures (SAEBRS / mySAEBRS)

• Attendance, academic, and behavior data

• Student Study Team (SST) or MTSS team discussions

• Observations and consultation with school staff

Why might an elementary student receive school counseling services?

Students may receive school counseling services when they would benefit from additional support in areas that affect their success at school. Within the school's MTSS/MTMDSS and PBIS frameworks, counseling services help remove barriers to learning and support positive academic, behavioral, and social-emotional outcomes.

Academic Development

• Building organization and study skills

• Improving attendance and engagement

• Developing self-management and goal-setting skills

• Addressing barriers that impact learning

Social/Emotional Development

• Managing emotions such as anxiety, sadness, frustration, or anger

• Developing coping and problem-solving skills

• Building self-confidence and resilience

• Navigating life changes, stress, or peer conflicts

Social Skills Development

• Practicing communication and friendship skills

• Learning empathy and perspective-taking

• Improving conflict-resolution skills

• Strengthening cooperation and teamwork

Behavioral Concerns

• Developing self-regulation skills

• Learning positive behavioral strategies

• Improving classroom participation

• Supporting safe, respectful, and responsible behavior aligned with schoolwide PBIS expectations

School counselors provide educational, developmental, and preventive support. Students requiring ongoing therapy, intensive mental health treatment, or specialized clinical services may be referred to our school-based mental health counselor (Family Therapist) and/or community-based mental health providers.

How does a student receive school counseling services?

Students may access counseling services through referrals, consultation, student support team processes, or review of school data as part of the school's MTSS/MTMDSS framework.

The process typically includes:

1. A concern is identified by a student, parent/guardian, teacher, staff member, or the school counselor.

2. The school counselor gathers information and reviews relevant data.

3. Consultation may occur with parents/guardians, teachers, administrators, and other support staff as appropriate.

4. A referral is completed when counseling services are recommended.

5. Parent/guardian consent is obtained for ongoing individual or small-group counseling services.

6. Services begin once appropriate consent has been received.

Students may also be identified through:

• Social-emotional or behavioral screening data (e.g., SAEBRS)

• Attendance, academic, or behavioral data reviews

• SST or MTSS team discussions

• PBIS interventions and supports

Please note: School counselors may meet briefly with students to assess immediate concerns, provide consultation, conduct check-ins, or respond to urgent situations. Ongoing individual or small-group counseling services generally require parent/guardian consent.

What happens during a school counseling session?

School counseling sessions are structured, goal-focused, and designed to support student growth and success at school.

Activities may include:

• Guided discussions

• Skill-building lessons

• Games and interactive activities

• Art and creative expression

• Role-playing and problem-solving exercises

• Videos and reflection activities

Depending on student needs, services may be provided:

• Individually

• In small groups (typically 2–6 students)

• Through classroom lessons

• Through schoolwide prevention and intervention activities

Sessions generally last up to 30 minutes, depending on the student's age and needs.

Students may also receive support for:

• Crisis situations

• Grief and loss

• Significant life changes

• Conflict resolution

• Restorative practices and restorative circles

Parent consent is not required for crisis response, restorative practices, consultation, or brief student check-ins that support student safety and well-being.

Where do school counseling sessions take place?

Most counseling sessions take place in the school counselor's office or another confidential and appropriate location on campus.

When do school counseling sessions take place?

The school counselor makes every effort to minimize the impact on instructional time.

Sessions may occur during:

• WIN ("What I Need") intervention periods. Designated intervention or enrichment blocks

• Lunch

• PE or other non-core instructional periods

In some situations, sessions may occur during instructional time when necessary to meet student needs.

Can I meet with the school counselor to discuss concerns about my student?

Yes. Parents and guardians are encouraged to partner with the school counselor.

If you would like to discuss concerns about your student or learn more about available supports, please contact the school counselor to schedule an appointment.

Are school counseling services mandatory?

School counseling services are delivered through a tiered system of support that aligns with MTSS/MTMDSS, PBIS, and the ASCA National Model.

Tier 1: Universal Services

Available to all students and may include:

• Classroom lessons

• Schoolwide social-emotional learning activities

• PBIS instruction and behavioral supports

• Schoolwide prevention and wellness initiatives

• Academic and career awareness activities

These services are part of the school's comprehensive school counseling program.

Tier 2: Targeted Services

Additional support for students who may benefit from:

• Small-group or individual counseling

• Targeted skill-building interventions

• Short-term social-emotional or behavioral support

Tier 3: Intensive Services

May include:

• Individual counseling support

• Increased monitoring and intervention

• Check in/out (CICO)

• Collaboration with families and community agencies

• Referrals to outside mental health providers when appropriate

Participation in Tier 2 and Tier 3 counseling services is voluntary and generally requires parent/guardian consent.

Students may decline participation in counseling services, and parents/guardians will be informed when services are offered and if a student chooses not to participate.

How long do school counseling services last?

School counseling services are designed to be short-term, goal-focused interventions within the school's MTSS/MTMDSS framework.

The number of sessions varies based on student needs, goals, and response to intervention. Student progress is reviewed regularly to determine whether:

• Goals have been met

• Additional school-based support is needed

• A referral to community-based services would be beneficial

Students requiring long-term therapy or intensive mental health treatment will be referred to appropriate community providers, as these services fall outside the scope of school counseling.

Can I request services beyond what the school counseling program provides?

Yes. If your child would benefit from services beyond school-based counseling, the school counselor can assist with referrals to community mental health providers, family support services, or other community resources.

Can I decline school counseling services for my student?

Yes. Parents/guardians may decline ongoing individual or small-group counseling services by indicating their decision on the consent form.

Please note that school counselors may still provide classroom lessons, schoolwide services, crisis response, consultation, restorative practices, and other supports that are part of the comprehensive school counseling program and school safety responsibilities.

Is school counseling confidential?

School counselors respect student privacy and maintain confidentiality whenever possible. However, confidentiality cannot be guaranteed in situations involving:

• Risk of harm to self

• Risk of harm to others

• Suspected child abuse or neglect

• Situations required by law, district policy, or school safety procedures

When concerns about student safety arise, the school counselor will take appropriate steps to protect the student and others, including notifying parents/guardians, administrators, and other appropriate personnel when necessary.

What is considered a crisis?

The school counselor provides support through a Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS/MTMDSS). While many student concerns can be addressed through scheduled counseling services, some situations require an immediate crisis response to ensure student safety.

The following situations are considered a crisis and require immediate attention from school administration and/or the school's crisis response team:

C – Child Abuse or Neglect Concerns

• A reasonable suspicion of child abuse or neglect that requires a report to Child Protective Services (CPS/DCFS).

• All school employees are mandated reporters and must follow district reporting procedures immediately.

R – Recent Death of a Family Member or Significant Person

• A death occurring within the previous few days that is significantly impacting a student's emotional well-being and ability to function at school.

• Students may require immediate emotional support and crisis intervention.

I – Imminent Threat to Student Safety

• A student is in immediate danger or has been threatened.

• Concerns involving potential violence, threats, or safety risks require immediate administrative involvement.

S – Suicidal Ideation

• A student reports active thoughts of suicide, suicidal intent, or suicidal planning.

• These concerns require an immediate safety assessment and activation of school crisis procedures.

I – Immediate Law Enforcement Involvement

• Situations requiring urgent involvement of law enforcement, emergency personnel, or other safety agencies.

S – Self-Harm

• A student is currently engaging in self-harming behaviors or reports recent self-harm concerns that require immediate assessment.

What is the Crisis Response Protocol? 

If a student is experiencing a crisis, staff should immediately notify an administrator or designated administrator. Administration serves as the first point of contact in the school's crisis response process and will coordinate the appropriate response, including contacting members of the school's crisis team when needed.

Crisis situations take priority over scheduled counseling services. Students identified as experiencing a crisis will receive support as soon as possible to ensure their safety and well-being.

What are the School Counseling Response Time Frames? 

Crisis Response – Same Day / Immediate

The following concerns require immediate notification of administration and/or the crisis team:

• Active suicidal thoughts

• Current self-harm behaviors

• Student safety concerns or imminent danger

• Child abuse or neglect concerns requiring a CPS/DCFS report

• Threats of violence or potential physical altercations

• Situations requiring law enforcement involvement

Priority Response – Within 1–2 School Days

The school counselor will make every effort to respond within 1–2 school days to concerns such as:

• Sadness, grief, or emotional distress

• Anxiety, stress, or panic attacks

• Concerns about a peer's well-being

• Recent family changes or losses

• Restorative practices or conflict resolution needs

• Historical self-harm concerns with no current safety risk

Routine Response – Within 5–7 School Days

The school counselor will typically respond within 5–7 school days to concerns such as:

• Friendship concerns

• Peer conflict

• Academic motivation or organization concerns

• Teacher or parent requests for student check-ins

• Behavioral or classroom concerns that are not safety-related

Important Note

The school counselor strives to support all students in a timely manner. However, immediate counseling services can only be provided in emergency or crisis situations. Response times may vary depending on the severity of concerns, student needs, and the number of active referrals being managed at a given time.

School Counselor Contact Information:

School Counselor: Diana Ulloa-Serrano
Email: dianaserrano@ccusd.org
Phone: 310-842-4334 (main office)