Welcome, my name is Crystal M. Franklin and I am your friendly School Counselor. Within my 14 years of experiences, I've worked as a Teacher, School Counselor, Multi-Systemic Therapist (MST), and Mental Health Specialist serving families in East Baton Rouge Parish, (EBRP) and the surrounding areas. In 2004, I received my undergraduate degree from Southern University and A&M College in Family and Consumer Sciences with a concentration in Child Development. After 2 years in the classroom setting I was compelled to pursue my studies in the School Counseling and Mental Health profession. I completed my Master's of Arts in Counselor Education from Southern University in 2009.

I am currently serving my 10th year as a School Counselor. There are no words to describe this unparalleled journey that I have embarked. Being able to serve families from diverse communities while educating the whole student is so vital to molding students into lifelong learners. As a life long learner myself, I am dedicated to evolving, intentional growth, and self reflections to be be in the best position to address your academic, social and emotional needs.

Counseling Mission

The philosophy of the Counseling Department at Southern University Laboratory School is to assist each student to reach his/her maximum potential. I am available to provide assistance with academic concerns, study skills and test-taking techniques, scheduling, and career exploration. In addition, I assist students with conflicts between peers and/or adults, and address matters involving behavioral, social, family, and personal issues. My goal is to provide a comprehensive school counseling program to assist students in each of these areas. This is a very exciting and challenging time for our students. As a mental health specialist, I am here to support and encourage our students in every way possible. To schedule an appointment, parents and/or students can fill out a Counselor Appointment Request Form in the Counseling Center. Parent/Teacher conferences can also be scheduled through my office.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, our lives, daily routines and what was familiar to us came to a halt without notice, leaving us in state of ambiguity. As we face this pandemic head on, it is important to acknowledge the range of effects and impact this pandemic has contributed to the physical and mental well being of the entire SULS family. This is new for everyone and we are all in this together.

If you or someone you love feels overwhelmed, has feelings of anxiety , sadness, depression, threatens to harm others, talks about suicide or attempts suicide, dial 911.

Here are a few additional resources available you may find helpful:

• Ms. Franklin 225-978-3905 text or call.

• Call the Keep Calm Through COVID hotline at 1-866-310-7977 at any time, 24 hours a day seven days a week. All calls are confidential.

• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 or text MHFA to 741741 to talk to a Crisis Text Line counselor.