Ocean Bay Middle


School Counseling Resources

Counseling Referral Link- Click Link

Please submit all counseling referrals electronically. Counselors see students as quickly as possible based on level of need and in the order referrals are received. Your counselor will call you down as soon as they are available. Please notify your teacher if this is an emergency (You or someone else is in immediate danger)


School Counseling Team:

Dr. Sarah Walling

8th Grade and 6th Grade Boys

Email Dr. Walling

Mrs. Rhonda Patel

7th Grade and 6th Grade Girls

Email Mrs. Patel

Dr. Renn Dominguez

Part-Time Mondays, Wednesdays alternating Fridays

6th Grade

Email Dr. Dominguez


CogAT Testing

Horry County Schools uses CogAT to determine placement in our Gifted and Talented Program. “The mission of gifted education is to maximize the potential of gifted and talented students by providing programs and services that match the unique characteristics and needs of these students.”

Parents and students wishing to request CogAT testing should fill out the form below by 4 PM on Thursday, September 13, 2024 and email to Heather Sheehan hsheehan@horrycountyschools.net.


CogAT Parent Referral Form- Click Here






HOW CAN WE HELP?

We look forward to getting to know your family, and working together to help your child be successful at OBMS. A majority of our day is spent working directly with students; as a result, we are not always available for drop-in meetings. Whenever possible, please call/email in advance to make an appointment. Thank you!

THE ROLE OF THE SCHOOL COUNSELOR


The Professional School Counselor is a certified educator trained in counseling techniques and strategies designed to meet the academic, personal/social, and career development needs of students. They support a collaborative learning environment by working with students, parents, teachers, administrators, and community agencies.

Even though it is an exciting time, middle school often comes with a unique set of challenges-from academic to personal and social.  Counselors are prepared to help navigate these challenges, by providing nonjudgmental support and encouragement.

If you would like to know more about the role of a Professional School Counselor please select one of the links below.


CONFIDENTIALITY


The relationship between a student and his/her counselor is established and maintained due to trust and respect. In order for meaningful dialogue to occur, confidentiality must be part of the foundation of the counseling relationship. We stress to our students, "What you say in here, stays in here." There are 4 exceptions to this rule, and in these situations our primary objective is to make sure the student has the continued support they need. Communication is vital during this stage of development and we encourage every student we work with to share their "inner world" with their family and friends.

Exceptions to Confidentiality:


24/7 Mental Health Support
Horry County Schools has partnered with Care Solace to support the well-being of students, staff, and their family members. Care Solace is a complimentary and confidential care coordination service that can help you quickly find mental health or substance use treatment options matched to your needs regardless of circumstance. If you would like to use Care Solace to help you find a provider: Call 888-515-0595 they are available 24/7/365 in any language, OR Visit www.caresolace.com/horrycounty and either search on your own OR click “Book Appointment” for assistance by video chat, email, or phone.

Text HELLO to 741741 to speak with a crisis counselor
Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK(8255)
Chat with the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/chat/
If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health emergency, contact the 24/7/365 Statewide South Carolina Crisis Response dispatcher at 833-364-2274, or call 911.