School Counselor FAQ's

• Why would my child see the counselor?

All students will see the school counselor throughout the year in whole class settings as part of our proactive social/emotional and career education at JCSES and RAES. In addition, individual students may be referred to the school counselor if there are concerns that are inhibiting their learning here at school. Examples of concerns are social/emotional concerns, behavioral difficulties, conflict with peers, attendance concerns, and academic concerns.

• How does a student get referred to the counselor?

Students can see the school counselor via self-referral, parental/guardian request, request of the counselor, administrative referral, and/or teacher or staff referral. 

• How long will a school counselor see a student?

Time with students varies based on needs.  The counselor's priority is for the student to succeed at school. Therefore, we need to be sure the student is in his/her classroom as much as possible. With this in mind, the attempt is to resolve or support a student’s needs within a 20-minute session.  This may be a one-time meeting, or a student may work with the counselor over several weeks. I recognize that some matters, especially crisis management, may require more time, and I can provide this when necessary.

• How is a school counselor different from a therapist?

School counselors work with all students, focusing on academic success, social/emotional learning, and career planning. In addition, the school counselor helps individual students by providing brief, solution-focused counseling when issues serve as barriers to a child’s success. Therapists treat specific mental health concerns and disorders on an ongoing, usually regularly scheduled basis with individuals.  If your family’s needs are beyond the scope of school counseling, we encourage you to seek outside support.  

• How do parents contact the counselor?

Parents/Guardians are invited to contact the school counselor at any time via phone or email regarding their child.  Depending on the severity of the concern, parents/guardians are also able to set up a virtual or in-person conference with the counselor.  

• 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 assistance with issues such as friends, test anxiety, social issues, and problems at home that are affecting the school day. There are times when outside, private counseling may be necessary. If there are difficulties affecting the child at home (i.e. divorce, death of a loved one, deployment, mental health concerns, etc.), or if a child could benefit from professional therapeutic support, families look to services beyond the school counselor. If you decide private counseling is beneficial for your family, the counselor can provide information regarding local counseling agencies.  Attached you will find a list of community agencies for our families. 

Should you seek outside assistance, please see the community resource list linked here;  and the Franklin County Family Resource List  linked here 

• If my child is receiving outside services, what is the school counselor’s role?

The school counselor can collaborate with outside service providers if needed. I do require a consent form to do this.  

• 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 permits me to share the information with parents/guardians.
When a breach of confidentiality is necessary, the counselor would make a report to the appropriate agencies, support staff, and/or parents depending on the situation. Our highest priority is keeping your student(s) 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.