Who Are School Counselors?

Professional school counselors, formerly referred to as "guidance counselors," are professional educators who have a master's degree or higher in school counseling (or the substantial equivalent), and are certified or licensed by the state in which they work.  Professional school counselors possess the qualifications and skills necessary to address the full array of students' academic, personal, social, and career development needs.

Professional school counselors advocate for and care for students, and are important members of the educational team.  They consult and collaborate with teachers, administrators and families to help all students be successful academically, vocationally and personally.  

What Do School Counselors Do?

Professional school counselors provide a wide-range of services in the schools, based on individual student needs and student interests, including, but not limited to:

• Mental, emotional, social, developmental and behavioral services to students and families;

• Academic guidance and support services, including organizational, study and test-taking skills for students;

• Special education services, including serving as integral member of the student's Individual Education Plan (IEP);

• Career awareness, exploration and planning services, including goal setting and decision making assistance for students;

• School crisis intervention and response services;

• Collaboration and coordination of more in-depth services needed through community agencies.

Cited from - American School Counselor Association

Our School Counselors:

John Champe High School’s Unified Mental Health Team (UMHT) – comprised of the above school counselors, psychologist, social worker, and student assistance specialist – offers mental health services and supports to enhance student social, emotional, and behavioral growth. This team of school-based mental health professionals works with students, families, school staff, and outside providers to promote a positive school environment that supports student success and ability to cope with challenges through direct (e.g., classroom curriculum, group counseling and individual counseling) and indirect (e.g., collaborating or consulting with staff, families or communities) methods. 

ParentGuidance.org

ParentGuidance.org is an online service by licensed therapists that provides trusted and specialized courses, professional support and a safe community for parents to learn how to support their children and get answers to mental health questions.

UMHT members in addition our school counselors: