Referral Process for Guardians and Students 

What is a School Counselor Referral?

A referral is made to the School Counselor (SC) when a concern for a student arises. Possible sources of referrals may include self-referral by students experiencing a problem, concerned peers, parent(s)/guardian(s), teachers, administrators, and/or other school personnel. Emergency interventions are required in those situations that need immediate attention, (e.g., peer concern about the personal safety of another student, death of a pet or family member, physical and/or sexual abuse). The SC may determine that other resources would be appropriate, including referral to other individuals within the school system, such as the school administrator, and/or the special services personnel. An outside referral may be necessary when an issue presented is beyond the scope, training and/or expertise of school district personnel. In the case of suspected abuse or neglect, the SC has a legal mandate to make a hotline call (Child Abuse/Neglect Reports by Mandated Reporters, Hotline Phone Call Information Form).

Guardians: 

School Counselors have many resources and ideas to help students be successful in school. We want your student to succeed and are here for support in any way that we can. For supports needed for your student and/or family, please fill out the Guardian Referral form by clicking the appropriate grade level button below.

Students: 

Your School Counselor is here to support your academic and social/emotional needs. You can make a self-referral to speak to your SC by clicking on the appropriate buttons below. You may also make a referral for a OVCA student that you believe could benefit from speaking to a SC. 

School Staff:

Teachers/CFA's/Admin will refer students to see their specific SC if they are experiencing challenges, social/emotional or academic, within the school environment that are affecting their academic performance. School staff use the following forms to complete a student referral.

The School Counselor and Confidentiality

OVCA has Adopted ASCA's Position:

School counselors recognize their primary obligation regarding confidentiality is to the student but balance that obligation with an understanding of the family or guardians’ legal and inherent rights to be the guiding voice in their children’s lives (ASCA, 2016).

What does confidentiality mean?

Confidentiality means that information exchanged in a counseling/group session is kept private unless released by parent or student permission. School Counselors are required to follow ethical and legal guidelines in maintaining confidentiality. For the safety and well-being of students, limits to confidentiality include the occasional need to consult with a child's teacher or the school administrator; or the need to report to the proper authorities if a student discloses that they are being/has been harmed, or is planning to do harm to themselves or someone else.