School counselling reduces demand on mental health services

Spurgeons counsellors currently provide individual child counselling in schools, community settings, in our own centres and online. If children and young people can have the ‘tools’ in their emotional toolbox to navigate life’s difficulties then it gives them improved outcomes for their education, relationships and ultimately their future. Often schools struggle to find solutions for children who are facing these issues within the context of the normal school routine. Most schools have children or young people that are struggling with issues such as anxiety, exclusion, behavioural challenges, self-harm, depression or children have simply withdrawn into themselves.

The School Counselor’s Role in Student Mental Health

In 2021–22, diagnostic services were more prevalent in schools in cities (55 percent) and suburban areas (54 percent) than in towns (44 percent) and rural areas (41 percent). The percentage of Building a districtwide safety net for students public schools providing diagnostic services and the percentage of public schools providing treatment services varied by some school characteristics in 2021–22, including school level. Similarly, the percentage of public schools providing treatment services in 2021–22 was lower than the percentage in 2019–20 (38 vs. 42 percent), but not measurably different from the percentage in 2017–18.

Just this year, the Santa And Unified School District successfully met the nationally recommended ratio of 250 students per counselor. Care Solace, for example, works with 300 school districts to help connect families with mental health providers. What are the limitations of school-based mental health systems?

• The role of school counselors is to enhance academic, social, and career success for every student.
• In many cases, the school counselor may act as a school psychologist while delivering counseling sessions.
• I have close relationships with my coworkers that provide me with a sense of emotional security and well-being
• We thank President Marcos and the members of the Congress for supporting our efforts of building a system that prioritizes our children’s holistic development,” Education Secretary Sonny Angara said.

For Parents & Caregivers

In 2022 and 2023, CMS issued guidance to increase the accessibility of these services by eliminating some of the practical barriers that schools faced when delivering services through Medicaid. School-based services can also reduce access barriers for underserved populations, including children from low-income households and children of color. Additionally, a 2024 KFF survey found differences in receipt of mental health care services by race and ethnicity, with a larger share of White parents compared to Black, Hispanic, and Asian parents reporting that their children received these services in the past three years. You’ll want to clarify the roles and responsibilities of the professionals that may exist in your school community, as they may vary. Mental health–related resources vary widely depending on local and school funding, as well as level of services and staffing capacity. Some youth feel comfortable receiving mental health support in school, while others prefer to be seen outside of school.

Factors such as education level, years of experience, and location can all affect salaries. Possibilities include educational workshops, awareness promotions, and wellness activities. Counselors should be prepared to coordinate referrals to mental health experts or physicians.

Perspectives differed by locale as well as regarding what constituted “intensive mental health needs.” Implications for practice, limitations, and directions for future research are discussed. As a student in the program, you will benefit from the expertise of dedicated faculty, who bring real-world experience and research insight into every course. Designed with working professionals in mind, the program features rigorous coursework delivered in a flexible online format.