School counselors are school employees who support students directly through academic planning and goal setting, classroom lessons that maximize student success and small-group interventions to support students as they transition through the grades. In middle school and high school, they also help students plan for higher education, the military or the workforce. Counselors do not provide therapeutic interventions or long-term supportive services in schools. School counselors are trained to recognize and respond to student emotional health needs and refer families to the school mental health team when needed.

• Planning and goal setting

• School counseling classroom lesson

• Short-term counseling

• Referrals for long-term support

• Collaborate with families, teachers, administrators and community for student success

• Advocate for students for individualized education program meetings and other student-focused meetings

• Analyze data to identify student issues, needs and challenges

You can find your school counselor on your school’s website.