What do school counselors do?

Direct student services including: 

• Instruction – teaching the school counseling curriculum to students focused through the lens of selected student standards from the ASCA Mindsets & Behaviors for Student Success. 

• Appraisal and advisement – assessing student abilities, interests and achievement to help them make decisions about their future. 

• Counseling – providing professional assistance and support to a student or small group of students during times of transition, heightened stress, critical change or other situations impeding student success. School counselors do not provide therapy or long-term counseling in schools; however, school counselors are prepared to recognize and respond to student mental health needs and to assist students and families seeking resources. 

Indirect student services including: 

• Consultation – share strategies supporting student achievement with parents, teachers, other educators and community organizations 

• Collaboration – work with other educators, parents and the community to support student achievement 

• Referrals – support for students and families to school or community resources for additional assistance and information.

(American School Counselor Association, 2019)