FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
What Services Does a Counselor Provide?
School Counselors provide a variety of support services to students on each campus in the Loomis Union School District. Counseling services are aimed at both prevention and intervention around social emotional and academic concerns. Counselors provide social emotional lessons inside classrooms to promote problem solving tools, skills for being an effective learner, empathy and communication skills. Counselors also facilitate small group counseling for specific students in need of additional support with social skills, self regulation or problem solving. School counselors are also a first line of support during crisis situations with students and can assist families in locating community mental health resources and resources to address other life stressors. Additionally, school counselors provide individual counseling to students who are identified as needed more intensive support to thrive in the school environment.
For how long does the school counselor see the student?
A student's counseling services depends on the student's needs. Sessions can range anywhere from approximately 6-10 sessions to ongoing sessions, such as with ERMHS. Students can meet with counselors for one-time needs as well. School counselors are mindful of the necessary balance between accessing additional support to further success at school and interrupting important instruction time, therefore, schedule of services prioritizes student's being in their classroom as much as possible.
How do I get referred for outside services?
The role of a school counselor is to assist children during their school day. This may include issues with friends, test anxiety, social issues, and problems at home that are affecting their school day. There are times when outside, private counseling may be necessary, such as when there are difficulties at home (i.e. divorce, death of a loved one, deployment, mental health concerns, etc.) that are either not affecting the child at school or could benefit from professional ongoing therapeutic support. If you decide private counseling is necessary for your family, our district has partnered with CareSolace, a resource that will help match you to a mental health provider that meets the needs of your family, saving you hours in researching, calling, and organizing mental health care. To get get start or to inquire more, please contact the counselor at your student's school site, and they can initiate the referral process. If you would like to initiate the process yourself, you can use our district's unique link: https://www.caresolace.com/site/loomis
If a student is getting outside services, what is the school counselor’s role?
The school counselor can collaborate with the outside service providers if needed. There is a form that the school counselor might give you titled "Authorization for Exchange of Information" which will allow communication between providers.
What are the parameters around confidentiality?
Confidentiality is an important aspect of counseling; this is how the counselor builds trust with the student. What the child says during counseling is to remain between the counselor and the child unless: 1. The child is in imminent danger. 2. The child is threatening to harm him/herself or someone else. 3. The child reports an incident of abuse and/or neglect. 4. The child gives permission to disclose. When a breach in confidentiality is necessary, the counselor would make a report to the appropriate agencies, support staff and/or parents depending on the situation. Note: Our highest priority is keeping your student safe. School counselors and other school staff members are mandated reporters. Mandated reporters are required by law to report to CPS any time a student is suspected of being in danger.
Why would my child see you?
Students may be referred to the school counselor if there are concerns that are inhibiting their learning here at school. Some concerns, but not limited to are: behavioral difficulties, social/emotional concerns, conflict with peers, attendance concerns and academic concerns.
Will you notify me if you spoke to my child?
Parents are notified at the discretion of the counselor. If a counselor will be seeing a student on an on-going basis, the counselor will then notify the parent and seek parental consent for school counseling.
Am I in trouble if I see the School Counselor?
No! In fact, a counselor is an adult who acts as your advocate! An advocate is someone who wants to listen to what you have to say and help you come up with reasonable solutions to making your situation better. It does not mean that your counselor can solve the problem for you; it does mean that you have a safe place that you can go to when you are not sure what to do.