Counselor FAQ's

● How does my student get referred to the counselor?

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

● How do parents contact the counselor?

Parents are invited to contact the school counselor at any time via phone or email regarding their child. Depending on the severity of the concern, we are also available to set up a conference.

● What services does the school counselor provide?

As school counselors we can do a lot to help you and your child, such as:

○ Work with ALL students to encourage a safe school climate of trust and respect

○ Deliver guidance lessons that align to the American School Counseling Assoc. standards

○ Facilitate small groups

○ Meet individually with students to do brief, solution-focused counseling

○ Help students who are struggling to make positive behavior choices

○ Collaborate with parents/guardians, teachers, support staff, and admin.

○ Maintain confidentiality of students and their families unless there is a safety concern

○ Provide education and information about students' social-emotional needs

○ Community Connect

● How long will a school counselor see a student?

My time with students varies based on their needs. The counselor's priority is for the student to succeed here at school and to do so the student must be in his/her classroom as much as possible. With this in mind, I attempt to resolve or support a student’s needs within 15 minutes. We recognize that some matters, especially crisis management, may require more time and can provide this when necessary.

● 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 issues with friends, test anxiety, social issues, and problems at home that are affecting their school day.

There are times when outside, private counseling may be necessary, such as when there are difficulties at home (i.e. divorce, death of a loved one, deployment, mental health concerns, etc.) that are either not affecting the child at school or could benefit from professional therapeutic support. If you decide private counseling is necessary for your family, the counselor can provide information regarding local counseling agencies via Community Connect.

● If my student is receiving outside services, what is the school counselor’s role?

The school counselor can collaborate with the outside service providers if needed. We 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 gives permission to disclose.

When a breach in confidentiality is necessary, the counselor would make a report to the appropriate agencies, support staff and/or parents depending on the situation. Note: Our highest priority is keeping your student 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.

● How can the counselor help my family with financial/basic needs assistance?

We can also connect you to community resources that further assist you.

● Why would my child see the counselor?

Students may be referred to the school counselor if there are concerns that are inhibiting their learning here at school. Some concerns, but not limited to are: behavioral difficulties, social/emotional concerns, conflict with peers, attendance concerns and academic concerns.

● Will I be notified if you spoke to my child?

Parents are notified at the discretion of the school counselor. For small groups there will be a permission slip sent home ahead of time to be signed either to opt in or opt out for small group counseling.

● What topics do you cover in small groups?

Our small groups vary each year depending on student needs. Group topics could include:

○ Anxiety

○ Impulsive behavior

○ Coping Skills

○ Communication and Social Skills

○ Academic Skills

○ Divorce

○ Grief

○ Self-Esteem

○ Decision Making and problem solving

● How is a school counselor different from a therapist?

School counselors help students to be ready for learning by providing short-term assistance with particular issues that may serve as barriers to the child’s academic success. Therapists treat mental health disorders on an on-going, usually regularly scheduled basis. If a child is upset or distressed in school, we will work with the child in order to help the child be ready to learn. For issues that go beyond the scope of school counseling, we have community resources to support your needs.

● Contact information

You can reach your school counselor by phone or email. If you would like a meeting, please contact me ahead of time to make an appointment. The counselor schedule is not always open to immediate walk-in meetings, however, parental involvement is a priority for us and the counselor will try to schedule a meeting for you as soon as possible.

(530) 347-1698 ex:2012
debbie.harkreader@cwusd.net