What does a school counselor do for students in school?

School counselors do not provide therapy or long-term counseling in schools to address psychological disorders. However, school counselors are prepared to recognize and respond to student mental health crises and needs. School counselors address those barriers to student success by offering instruction that enhances mental health awareness and provides short-term interventions, including individual and small-group counseling, until the student is connected with available community resources. When students require long-term counseling or therapy, school counselors make referrals to appropriate community resources and maintain collaborative relationships with providers to ensure service coordination alignment.

About Me

Hello, my name is Lindsey Threadgill. I am a certified school counselor and licensed professional who helps students with issues affecting their academics, careers, and personal/social interactions. I began my journey in education in 2005 and served as a teacher until 2021. I have worked in both smaller and larger school districts, serving students of all ages.  In the fall of 2021, I was fortunate enough to get a job as a counselor before graduating from Tarleton State University with my second master's degree in May of 2022. Since 2021, I have been fortunate to work with students through individual, group, guidance lessons, and post-high school planning. 

During my first year as a school counselor, I worked as a special education counselor and behavior specialist at Midlothian ISD. Then, in the fall of 2022, I secured a job as a school counselor at Itasca High School. Fortunately, in the spring of 2023, Whitney ISD posted a school counseling position at the elementary and intermediate campuses. I jumped at the chance to work in the community where I live. In the spring of 2025, I was offered the position as the WMS counselor, and I am excited to begin working with the middle school students and staff. 

I am starting my 20th year in education, my fifth year as a school counselor, and my third year at Whitney ISD.

At Whitney Middle School, I help students with:

• Promoting positive student attitudes towards self, family, peers, and community.

• Assisting students in learning how school performance relates to future opportunities.

• Delivering guidance lessons that teach good communication, decision-making, resolving conflict, and respecting others.

• Working with students, parents, and school staff to identify learning needs and design interventions to enhance student success.

• Helping students to recognize and make the best of their abilities.

•  Providing support during a personal crisis. 

• Working with students on attendance issues.

• Coordinating referrals to outside agencies.

• Developing student career awareness.

• Helping to create a safe and positive learning experience. 

GROWING UP ISN'T EASY! 

BELOW ARE SOME TOPICS DISCUSSED DURING COUNSELING:

• Making friends

• Liking myself

• Getting along with others

• Divorce

• Being a "new kid"

• Studying

• Bullying

• Learning and Responsibility

• Death and dying

• Abuse

• Moving away

• Being honest

• Organization

• Addiction 

• The future

• Grades

• Behavior modification 

• How to handle big emotions 

• Change