How does my student get referred to the counselor?
Students can see the school counselors via self-referral, request by guardian, request of the counselor, administrative referral, and/or teacher or staff referral. Each teacher has forms in their classrooms that serve for communication between my office and the classrooms. Students can grab these forms and drop off in the front office.
How do parents contact the counselor?
Parents are invited to contact the school counselor at any time via phone or email regarding their child. Depending on the severity of the concern, we are also available to set up a conference.
What services does the school counselor provide?
As school counselors we can do a lot to help you and your child, such as:
Work with ALL students to encourage a safe school climate of trust and respect
Deliver guidance lessons that align to the American School Counseling Assoc. Standards
Meet individually with students to do brief, solution-focused counseling
Help students who are struggling to make positive behavior choices
Collaborate with parents/guardians, teachers, support staff, and admin
Maintain confidentiality of students and their families unless there is a safety concern
Provide education and information about students' social -emotional needs
Chair special education and 504 meetings (see below for more information about these)
BUT, there are some things we cannot do:
Assign grades and teach academic subjects
Facilitate therapy groups
Provide long term mental health counseling
How long will a school counselor see a student?
My time with students varies based on their needs. The counselor's priority is for the student to succeed here at school and to do so the student must be in his/her classroom as much as possible. With this in mind, we attempt to resolve or support a student’s needs within 15 minutes. We recognize that some matters, especially crisis management, may require more time and can provide this when necessary.
How do I get referred for outside services?
The role of a school counselor is to assist children during their school day. This may include issues with friends, test anxiety, social issues, and problems at home that are affecting their school day. There are times when outside, private counseling may be necessary, such as when there are difficulties at home (i.e. divorce, death of a loved one, deployment, mental health concerns, etc.) that are either not affecting the child at school or could benefit from professional therapeutic support.
In this district, we are fortunate to have two on-site counseling services: Mountain Comprehensive Care and Pennyroyal Center. Working with you, teachers, administrators, I will fill out the necessary paperwork for their referral. Students will receive their services during school hours, discretely.
What are the parameters around confidentiality?
Confidentiality is an important aspect of counseling; this is how the counselor builds trust with the student. What the child says during counseling is to remain between the counselor and the child unless:
1. The child is in imminent danger.
2. The child is threatening to harm him/herself or someone else.
3. The child reports an incident of abuse and/or neglect.
4. The child gives permission to disclose.
When a breach in confidentiality is necessary, the counselor would make a report to the appropriate agencies, support staff and/or parents depending on the situation. Note: Our highest priority is keeping your student safe. School counselors and other school staff members are mandated reporters. Mandated reporters are required by law to report to CPS any time a student is suspected of being in danger.
Contact information
You can reach me by phone or email. If you would like a meeting, please contact the counselor ahead of time to make an appointment. The counselor schedule is not always open to immediate walk-in meetings, however parental involvement is a priority for us and the counselor will try to schedule a meeting for you as soon as possible.
270-965-5221
Talley Joyce: talley.joyce@crittenden.kyschools.us
How can the counselor help my family with financial/basic needs assistance?
As a counselor, I will get you in contact with our amazing FRYSC Coordinator. We will work to build connections with various agencies to help support your family.
Why would my child see the counselor?
Students may be referred to the school counselor if there are concerns that are inhibiting their learning here at school. Some concerns may be: behavioral difficulties, social/emotional concerns, conflict with peers, attendance concerns and academic concerns.
Will I be notified if you spoke to my child?
Parents are notified at the discretion of the counselor. For small groups, the counselor will send home a notification about the group, along with an opt-out form prior to the group beginning.
How is a school counselor different from a therapist?
School counselors help students to be ready for learning by providing short-term assistance with particular issues that may serve as barriers to the child’s academic success. Therapists treat mental health disorders on an on-going, usually regularly scheduled basis. If a child is upset or distressed in school, we will work with the child in order to help the child be ready to learn. For issues that go beyond the scope of school counseling, we have community resources here to support your needs. If you would like to be referred to our school-based counselors, please fill out this Form.
What do I do if my doctor has told me to reach out to the school regarding my student’s diagnosis?
Having awareness of your student’s diagnosis is always helpful. However, there is a specific legal process in the state of Kentucky that schools must abide by for a student to be considered for special education or 504 services. Please see below for more information regarding these services.