School counseling is short-term and goal-focused, designed to support students’ success in school.  The school counselor meets with students individually to help them develop skills for things like managing emotions, improving friendships, solving problems, and staying focused on learning.

Unlike outside therapy, school counseling does not provide long-term treatment or mental health diagnosis. Instead, the school counselor role is to help students build coping and problem-solving skills, connect them with support at school, and, when needed, partner with families to connect them to community mental health resources for ongoing care.

Caregivers and staff may contact Mrs. Click regarding individual school counseling referrals.  Students also have the option to self-refer if they are facing a specific issue that requires school counseling support.

Small group counseling provides students with a safe, supportive environment to build important social and emotional skills alongside peers who have similar needs or experiences. Groups typically meet once a week for a limited number of sessions and focus on topics such as friendship skills, emotional regulation, coping strategies, self-esteem, grief, or managing anxiety.  Small groups may also encompass academic-driven topics such as executive functioning, kindergarten readiness, and middle school transition.  Through discussions, activities, and skill-building exercises, students learn practical strategies they can use both in and out of the classroom.  If your child is invited to participate in a small group, you will receive a permission form from Mrs. Click.  Caregiver consent is required to participate in small groups.

Contract Therapists. We partner with outside providers to come into our schools to provide individual services. Services from a contract therapist are private pay or insurance. If finances are a barrier, options can be explored. 

If you are interested in pursuing this route, please reach out to Mrs. Click.

Every OPS student has access to six free individual counseling sessions.  The H.E.L.P. Clinic is staffed by mental health professionals who work in our district.  Sessions take place after school.  Small groups also form throughout the year.  Mrs. Click will share H.E.L.P. Clinic updates throughout the year as new opportunities emerge.  Referrals can be made through the district website.