Why Your Child Might Need a Therapist Alongside Their School Counselor

The Value of Professional Mental Health Services: Going Beyond DIY Solutions

In the whirlwind of modern parenting, it's not uncommon to find yourself juggling chores, coordinating schedules, and trying to manage a hundred different things all at once. Some days, everything falls into place, and others, maybe not so much: laundry sits forgotten in the dryer, the house remains in disarray, and you had “vegetables” (also known as dessert) for dinner.

We've all been there, and anybody that claims they haven’t are not telling the truth!

The same kind of chaos can take place inside your child's mind, albeit with different challenges—academic pressures, social dynamics, and personal struggles. Children have an array of support systems at their disposal, designed to help them navigate these challenges:

Family

Case Managers

School Counselors

School Psychologists

SLPs

OTs

Coaches

Best Friends

Mentors

Other medical providers (i.e. primary care doctor)

Self-Help Books, Mindfulness, Yoga

While these resources are valuable, it can be challenging to discern which one is most effective in addressing specific needs. When should you consider adding mental health counseling to your child's support system? We'll break down each support option to help you understand when it makes sense to explore mental health counseling.

What is a school counselor?

A school counselor works in an educational setting to support the academic, social, emotional, and personal development of all students.

The responsibilities of a school counselor can include:

Academic Counseling:

Assisting students in setting academic goals, choosing appropriate courses, and planning for their future education and career paths.

Personal and Social Counseling:

Providing support for students facing personal or social challenges, such as family issues, peer relationships, and emotional well-being.

College and Career Guidance:

Helping students explore career options, providing information about colleges and vocational programs, and assisting with the college application process.

Crisis Intervention:

Responding to and managing crises, such as emergencies, mental health issues, or incidents of bullying, to ensure the well-being of students.

Advocacy:

Serving as an advocate for students, helping to address any barriers to their success within the school system. This can be part of the IEP/504 team that meets to discuss accommodations a student may need.

Conflict Resolution:

Assisting students in resolving conflicts with peers or teachers and promoting a positive and respectful school environment.

Classroom Lessons:

School counselors teach skills needed to manage emotions, conflict, develop a growth mindset, build resilicency, and set goals (among other things).

Group Counseling:

Conducting group counseling sessions on topics such as study skills, time management, social skills, and coping strategies.

Consultation:

Collaborating with teachers, parents, and other school staff to address the diverse needs of students and create a supportive school environment.

School counselors often work collaboratively with educators, administrators, and parents to create a positive and inclusive learning environment. Their goal is to help students develop the skills and knowledge they need to succeed academically and personally.

School Counselors: A Vital Resource, But...

School counselors play a crucial role in the lives of students from elementary to high school and are a great place to start as a parent considering supports and resources for your child. Take it slow and steady when navigating all the supports and resources that are available to your child.

"It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop." - Confucius

School counselors handle crises, teach essential life skills, run skill-based groups, and provide individual support to students facing difficulties. As an elementary school counselor, I know firsthand how school counselors help children developing a growth mindset, coping strategies, and managing conflict.

While school counselors are incredible resources, there are instances where additional support may be necessary. Your child might require extra help with time management, stress and anxiety management, handling athletic pressures, or managing their emotions. In such cases, seeking mental health counseling outside of school can be beneficial.

Why Seek Mental Health Counseling Alongside a School Counselor?

In essence, school counselors often find themselves stretched thin, unable to provide long-term, consistent support due to various constraints:

High Student-to-Counselor Ratio:

The American School Counselor Association recommends one counselor for every 250 students, but in many cases, the ratio is much higher. For instance, in Loudoun County, Virginia, it can be as high as 350-400 students per counselor

Limited Time:

School counselors typically have only 5-10 minutes to address a student's concerns.

Solution-Focused Approach:

School counselors focus on quickly resolving immediate problems, which may not allow for deeper, long-term planning or goal-setting.

So, what can a therapist offer that a school counselor cannot?

Long-Term Consistent Therapy:

Therapists can provide ongoing, weekly or biweekly therapy sessions

Dedicated 50-Minute Sessions:

This extended time allows for comprehensive work on various goals, such as managing emotions, coping strategies, time management, decision-making, academic and athletic pressures, and goal achievement

Advocacy and Support:

Therapists can advocate for accommodations on a 504 plan or specialized education through an Individualized Education Program (IEP), collaborating with school professionals

Diagnosis and Treatment:

Therapists are qualified to diagnose and treat mental health disorders

Even if your child is already working with a school counselor, a mental health professional can complement their efforts, offering additional support and tools. Through therapy, your child can develop the skills needed to face life's challenges with confidence.

So, whether it's managing academic stress, navigating social complexities, or simply learning how to handle day-to-day life more effectively, consider connecting with us for 15 minutes to determine if additional support from a therapist makes sense for your child, alongside their school counselor. Together, we can help your child develop the tools they need to thrive.