Role of a Professional School Counselor
The elementary and middle school years set the tone for developing the knowledge, attitudes, and skills necessary for children and adolescents to become healthy, competent, and confident learners. Through a comprehensive and developmental school counseling program, counselors work as a team with students, their families, and AA staff to address the academic, career and personal/social development of all students.
School Counselors are specially trained educators with a master's degree in counseling. Support provided can be therapeutic, but the role of a school counselor is not to diagnose or provide therapy. We are able to provide temporary/short-term support to help students overcome acute issues having an impact on their school performance. We are a resource similar to the school nurse in that she can provide screening and band aids but refers out for more serious problems. Licensed mental health counselors are the appropriate resource to provide ongoing therapy sometimes needed by families and children. If there are concerns that need more consistent and comprehensive services beyond one or two meetings, we would be happy to provide resources for nearby therapists and agencies in our community that specialize in helping school-aged children.
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