What services does a School Counselor provide?

School Counselors are a part of your school community. They are certified professionals who are trained in all school policies and counseling strategies. School Counselors provide individual and group counseling, lead the development of student 504 Plans, administer intellectual screenings, consult with teachers, communicate with families, deliver classroom lessons, provide community outreach, develop behavior plans, review incoming student data, participate in ESE meetings, and many other school tasks as needed.

What services does a Mental Health Counselor provide?

Mental Health Counselors assess students. They are able to diagnose and treat mental and emotional health disorders, relationship issues, and  they assist individuals with navigating through life challenges. Through various methods of psychotherapy, therapists work with individuals to develop meaningful behavior changes. They offer coping strategies for navigating life's struggles. Mental health counselors are typically sought after when an individual presents with emotional or behavioral challenges and some level of impairment in  various areas of functioning such as work, social, family/personal relationships, and academics. A parent/guardian must provide signed consent for therapeutic services. Therapists meet with students at the school or via telehealth. 

What is the difference between a School Counselor and a Mental Health Counselor in the Putnam County School District?

School Counselors provide lower level interventions to students in group and individual settings. They are on campus every day where they collaborate with teachers, engage in brief, solution-focused, short-term counseling to help students overcome challenges and quickly refocus on accomplishing their academic goals. For example, they may provide psychoeducational information regarding topics such as depression, anxiety, suicide, anger, trauma, grief, etc. to groups and individuals. They may also help students learn strategies for managing  minor emotional/psychological issues such as worry, test anxiety, grief, etc.  

Mental Health Counselors are licensed, or license eligible, clinicians who are educated and trained to work with students that present with a wide variety of mental health issues.  Mental health services are provided in a variety of formats including individual and group sessions. Each student receiving mental health services will receive a treatment plan with specific therapeutic goals. The content of all mental health counseling sessions is confidential. Mental health counseling requires parent/guardian consent, may be more long-term, and may delve deeper into historical or traumatic experiences. They are at school campuses when they are seeing students or consulting with school staff and families. 

I believe my child needs to talk to someone and receive help. How do I get the process started?

A parent/guardian is a child's primary advocate and the first person to recognize a need or concern. When a students mental health needs are of a concern, a parent/guardian is directed to reach out to the student's school counselor or designated staff to discuss the student's needs and explore options for services.

In the event of an emergency or crisis where a students safety or overall well being is an issue, a parent/guardian may contact the Mobile Response Team- a 24 hour crisis response unit at 386-872-2224. A parent may also contact the Mental Wellness Team at 386-312-2231 ext. 323 for assistance. We also partner with local and other partnering agencies to coordinate case management, counseling, and therapeutic support for students. 

What is Social Emotional Learning (SEL)?

Social Emotional Learning is the acquisition of the skills that each student needs in order to handle social and emotional challenges in a healthy way. Students receive lessons in SEL by classroom teachers. Caring School Communities curriculum is in all K-8 classrooms. 7th and 8th grade students receive their SEL lessons by teachers in an advisement period as well as within their core classes.

High School students receive SEL through a variety of platforms: HIP (Health Information Project), EverFi, and Ripple Effects (students who need additional support with Tier 2 & 3 in MTSS). HIP was board approved for the 2021-22 school year. The HIP program uses a facilitator who recruits juniors and seniors to teach all freshmen on a variety of health and SEL topics. The HIP program will begin later this year after implementation plans are developed.