Generally, when students make a self-referral for individual counseling, I allow them a series of "free meetings." These meetings help me to understand the nature of their referral. If at any point during the meetings I believe that I am dealing with a concern that warrants parent contact, I will make a parent contact to inform you about the individual counseling meetings. If I believe that the meetings do not warrant a parent contact, I will not make a parent contact. There is quite a bit of discretion that goes along with this. However, I always try to look out for the best interests of both the student and his or her family while respecting the wishes of each.
Whenever a referral for either individual or small group counseling is made by a teacher, I always attempt to make a parental contact before meeting with the student unless the teacher has already made this contact.