School Counselors (for Teens) (2024)

FAQs

Do school counselors actually help students? ›

In addition to helping students navigate their academic journey and prepare for a career, school counselors can help young people develop as a whole — personally, academically and professionally. The position entails great responsibility, but it can also be substantially rewarding.

The primary reason that the ASCA, as well as many counselors, prefer the term “school counselor” is simple: it more accurately reflects the role counselors play within school settings. “Guidance counselor” implies a narrow role in which the counselor only provides vocational advice.

The difference lies in the fact that counselors offer a more general service, while psychologists are more specialized. Qualifying for employment as a school psychologist requires extensive education and training.

The role of a school counselor is to help reduce obstacles preventing students from reaching their potentials. Above all, they arm students with the skills, strategies and support they need to build the foundation for a successful and productive life.

Even if you don't have a problem, your school counselor can be a good person to know. They might turn out to be a helpful adult mentor — someone who can guide you through high school or toward a career that fits your strengths. So, stop in and say hello.

School counselors do not diagnose students and provide ongoing therapy for a variety of reasons.

This term has evolved to “school counselor” as the scope of duties has changed and evolved. Although some schools still used the outdated “guidance counselor” term, the American School Counselor Association encourages the use of “school counselor” to more accurately reflect the role.

What degree do you need to become a school counselor? All school counselors must hold a bachelor's degree and a master's degree. Bachelor's degree learning paths can include psychology, counseling, social work, educational psychology and sociology.

Unlike counselors, school psychologists act as liaisons between students, teachers, and families. Their primary focus is on academic and mental health concerns and implementing processes to improve the overall well-being of their students.

What is the difference between a mental health counselor and a school counselor? ›

Mental health counselors typically focus on diagnosing and treating mental health disorders, while school counselors focus on helping students deal with personal and social issues that may affect their academic success.

School counselors work on helping students establish goals and prepare for the future, while school psychologists work on managing the social and emotional health of exceptional learners. Understanding how the two roles are different may help you determine which role is the best career fit for you.

Counselors should spend at least 80% of their work time on appropriate counseling duties described in TEC, §33.006. A comprehensive counseling program described in TEC, §33.005, includes the component of system support, under which work time analysis falls.

According to the National Model, school counselors' advocacy efforts are aimed at (a) eliminating barriers impeding students' development; (b) creating opportunities to learn for all students; (c) ensuring access to a quality school curriculum; (d) collaborating with others within and outside the school to help ...

Some counselors protect their mental health through meditation (try Headspace) and daily mantras. Others reported that listening to inspirational music and podcasts had an impact on their mental health. Multiple quantitative studies have indicated that counselors with higher self-esteem suffered burnout at lower rates.

Other studies, published in Professional School Counseling and other literature, support the role of school counselors in student success, including improved ACT and SAT scores, more informed college decision-making, fewer disciplinary actions, improved attendance and more.

Several studies underscores the value in providing individual college and career student planning sessions with school counselors, leading to the increase in Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) applications and college attendance-critical gateways to postsecondary access.

Child and adolescent years are filled with significant changes that can often impact one's mental and physical health. Young people experience new feelings they may not know how to process, which could result in behavioral, emotional, or social problems if left unaddressed.

School counselors work to maximize student success, promoting access and equity for all students. As vital members of the school leadership team, school counselors create a school culture of success for all. School counselors design and deliver school counseling programs that improve student outcomes.