Comprehensive School Counseling
Informed Consent
As school counselors, we work with all students as part of a standards-based program for improving academic, personal, social/emotional, and life skills development. This is usually done through school wide initiatives (i.e. kindness week, red ribbon week) and classroom guidance lessons, but sometimes can be an individual meeting or social-emotional education group. The goal of counseling in a school setting is to provide support and instruction relating to the immediate needs of the student. It is not therapy and should not be considered as long-term therapy. Students may be referred to the school counselors by administrators, teachers, school staff, parents, peers, law enforcement, or themselves. Extenuating circumstances may occur where it is prudent to meet with a student regardless of consent, these include, but are not limited to: crisis situations, impending harm to student or self, bullying, or request of a student. All School Counselors adhere to state and national ethical standards and guidelines. This means we will keep information shared with us confidential unless you give us permission, or we are required by law to share it. State and federal law requires the following information to be shared with parents, law enforcement, family services, and other agencies:
• If we believe the student is at risk of harming themselves or others.
• If we believe someone is trying to hurt them.
• If a law is broken.
• If a judge orders us to provide information.
Feel free to contact us if you would like to discuss these concerns in person or if you have any questions about the School Counseling program.