Fall Advisory Committee Flashcard

The school counselor role is focused on short-term, goal-oriented counseling, crisis intervention, and connecting students and families with the appropriate resources. While they are trained to recognize mental health needs and provide support, they are not a substitute for a clinical therapist for ongoing mental health treatment. 

• American School Counselor Association: A professional organization that provides resources, professional development, and advocacy for school counselors to help students with their academic, career, and social/emotional development.

The American School Counselor Association (ASCA) recommends a student-to-counselor ratio of 250:1. However, the national average ratio is significantly higher, at 376:1 (according to date from the 2023-2024 school year). Achieving the recommended ratio is associated with positive student outcomes, such as improved test scores, higher graduation rates, and more college-bound students. 

Student conversations with school counselors are generally confidential, but there are specific, legally mandated exceptions where confidentiality must be broken to ensure safety and adhere to legal requirements. Counselors explain these limits to students in developmentally appropriate terms from the beginning of the counseling relationship. 

School counselors act as neutral consultants and collaborators with school staff to help develop and implement programs that promote positive behavior and manage problem behaviors.