School Counseling

School counselors may have one of the most multifunctional and gratifying roles within the school setting. A school counselor is a professional who works in primary (elementary and middle) schools or secondary schools to provide academic, career, college access/affordability/admission, and social-emotional competencies to all students through a school counseling program.

School counseling takes place in public and private school settings in grades K-12. Counseling is designed to facilitate student achievement, improve student behavior and attendance, and help students develop socially. Mental health professionals with master’s degrees or beyond, school counselors both provide counseling and serve an educational role in and around schools. Many schools have full-time counselors on staff in order to support students who are experiencing personal or academic challenges, help students choose careers and plan for college, and intervene when students face behavioral, physical, or mental health challenges.

So how do you obtain the coveted position of school counselor?

What qualifies someone to counsel and guide students in the school setting?

What are the requirements to enter the school counseling profession?

The search for these answers can be downright confusing. In this article, we explore the qualifications, requirements, degrees, and certifications for this transformative occupation.

WHAT DO SCHOOL COUNSELORS DO?

School counselors, also known as guidance counselors, were first primarily responsible for facilitating career development. Today, the role of the school counselor is multifaceted and may vary greatly, depending on the requirements of both the state and each individual school.

The duties of school counselors may include:

  • Providing instruction on psychological and social issues. School counselors might teach sex education classes, provide information to students about bullying, or offer seminars on study skills.
  • Vocational guidance. Many school counselors help students prepare for college or select careers.
  • Counseling. School counselors often help students mediate conflicts with their peers, teachers, or parents. Many school counselors also provide short-term counseling services to students during school hours.
  • Early intervention. School counselors receive training about learning difficulties and psychological concerns that commonly manifest in children and adolescents. They may also provide referrals, recommendations, and education to parents about mental health concerns.
  • Special needs services. Counselors often help special needs students integrate into classrooms and may oversee programs that address requirements for students with special needs or learning difficulties.

Further, counselors often help students:

  • Maintain academic standards and set goals for academic success.
  • Develop skills to improve organization, study habits, and time management.
  • Work through personal problems that may affect academics or relationships.
  • Improve social skills.
  • Cope with school or community-related violence, accidents, and trauma.
  • Identify interests, strengths, and aptitudes through assessment.

School counselors offer individual counseling to help students resolve personal or interpersonal problems. They may also offer small group counseling to help students enhance listening and social skills, learn to empathize with others, and find social support through healthy peer relationships. For students who are otherwise unable to access mental health services, school counselors provide support at no cost. School counselors also provide support to school staff by assisting with classroom management techniques and the development of programs to improve mental health or school safety. When necessary, counselors may also intervene in a disrupted learning environment.

REQUIRED TRAINING FOR SCHOOL COUNSELORS

School Counseling 101

School counselors must complete a master’s degree, at minimum, in school counseling, psychology, or social work and obtain the relevant state certification, endorsement, or licensure to gain employment. This may involve taking a comprehensive exam and logging hours in a supervised counseling setting. In many cases, counselors will need to complete an internship or practicum, and some states also require previous teaching experience.

School counselors are required to renew their licensure every three to five years. This timeline depends on the requirements of the state in which they are employed. In order to renew licensure, continuing education classes or professional development courses are generally necessary.

Many states require public schools to provide school counseling services, and these programs are funded at the state or local level. The American School Counselor Association (ASCA) recommends a student-to-school-counselor ratio of 250:1, although the average ratio is currently 471:1.

DO SCHOOL COUNSELORS DIAGNOSE MENTAL HEALTH CONCERNS?

Serious diagnosable mental health conditions affect 21% of U.S. children between the ages of 9 and 17, but only 20% of these children obtain a diagnosis and receive treatment in any given year. While school counselors may suspect the presence of learning difficulties or other conditions such as ADHD, they are not licensed to diagnose or prescribe medication. Some schools do have school psychiatrists, however, and these professionals are able to prescribe medication to students, though parental permission is typically necessary.

When a school counselor suspects the presence of a learning, behavioral, or mental health concern, they will typically provide a referral to a specialist in the community. Learning difficulties can be diagnosed by school or educational psychologists or neuropsychologists, and ADHD is generally diagnosed by psychiatrists, physicians, or clinical psychologists in private practice.

School Counseling: Qualifications & Requirements

Like many other professions, school counseling requires a varying amount of training and education between countries and regions. Some areas require candidates to pass state or national comprehensive tests or complete a practicum or internship. Sometimes these qualifications are mandated at the state or school level.

For example, the school systems in Bulgaria, Croatia, North Macedonia, Serbia, and Slovenia are considered centralized. In Croatia, North Macedonia, Serbia, and Slovenia, job requirements, professional activities, and the duties of the school counselor are directed by the national or ministerial level (American School Counselor Association, n.d.).

Countries such as Austria, Denmark, Ireland, Malta, and Russia have a decentralized school system governance and centralized regulation of school counseling. School counseling in Austria, Malta, and Russia is regulated by the ministries of education (American School Counselor Association, n.d.; Popov & Spasenovic, 2020).

Denmark, Ireland, the United Kingdom, and the United States have decentralized school governance and decentralized regulation of school counseling. The British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and the United Kingdom and European Association for Psychotherapeutic Counselling offer training and accreditation for school counselors in the United Kingdom (McCarthy, 2011; Popov & Spasenovic, 2020).

The National Centre for Guidance in Education grants the same opportunities to individuals in Ireland. The American School Counselor Association mandates the training and accreditation for school counselors in the United States.

Countries that do not require school counselors to obtain licensure/certification include (American School Counselor Association, n.d.; Popov & Spasenovic, 2020):

  • Austria
  • Bulgaria
  • Croatia
  • Denmark
  • North Macedonia
  • Malta
  • Russia
  • Serbia
  • Slovenia

Countries that do require school counselors to obtain licensure/certification include (American School Counselor Association, n.d.; Popov & Spasenovic, 2020):

  • Ireland
  • United Kingdom
  • United States

Austria, Ireland, Malta, and the United States require school counselors to hold a degree in education or pedagogy, and a psychology degree is required for school counselors in Russia and the United Kingdom. In Bulgaria, Croatia, Denmark, North Macedonia, Serbia, and Slovenia, a school counseling candidate may have a degree in either education or psychology (Popov & Spasenovic, 2020).

Countries that require school counselors to hold only a bachelor’s degree include (Popov & Spasenovic, 2020):

  • Austria
  • Bulgaria
  • Denmark
  • North Macedonia
  • Russia

Countries that require school counselors to hold a master’s degree include (Popov & Spasenovic, 2020):

  • Croatia
  • Ireland
  • Malta
  • Serbia
  • Slovenia
  • United States (five states)

Many individuals learn best by doing. 63% of counselors indicated an interest in being supervised and ranked developing skills and techniques as being their number one goal (Page, Pietrzak, & Sutton, 2001).

Some locations require a school counselor to complete a supervised internship or field placement. This real-world experience is an important element in a counselor training program, as it helps counselors develop their professional identity and become effective school counselors (Brott, 2006).

An experienced school counselor or an individual certified in counselor education oversees this type of practicum. Throughout the fieldwork, supervisors schedule “periodic formal evaluative sessions,” document these observations, and provide ongoing performance feedback (American Counseling Association, 2014, p. 13).

These opportunities allow future school counselors to put their learning into practice, with the guidance of an experienced school counselor.

Countries that require school counselors to hold additional qualifications, such as specializations or in-service training programs, include (Popov & Spasenovic, 2020):

  • Austria
  • Denmark
  • Ireland
  • Malta
  • United Kingdom
  • United States

5+ Best Courses and Programs

Nearly every country requires school counselors to hold a degree in education or psychology. Higher education systems rarely offer an undergraduate degree in school counseling; however, counseling students have the option to specialize or later pursue a master’s degree in school counseling specifically.

For qualification requirements in the United States, you can visit the American Counseling Association to view each state’s educational requirements. The association also breaks down the requirements for the number of credits, hours of supervision, minimum grade point average, tests and minimum scores, and background checks needed to apply. The site also includes information about reciprocity between states.

Someone interested in beginning the school counseling journey can take a look at the following undergraduate counseling programs.

BSEd in Counseling and Student Services – Indiana, U.S.

Indiana University received an overall ranking of “A” from Niche. They offer a Bachelor of Science degree in Education in Counseling and Student Services.

This program combines the fields of education, counseling psychology, and student affairs to prepare students for professions in those and related fields.

BS in Counseling and Applied Psychological Science – Arizona, U.S.

Arizona State University was listed as having the sixth-best online bachelor’s degree programs in the United States by U.S. News & World Report and offers students a bachelor’s degree in Counseling and Applied Psychological Science.

Students can attend in person or online.

BA/BS in Psychology – Alabama, U.S.

The University of West Alabama (UWA) offers a 100%-online bachelor’s degree in psychology to prepare students for a career in school counseling. UWA prides itself on its competitive tuition and generous credit transfer policy.

Honours Bachelor of Counselling Psychology – Georgian College, Canada

The Keystone Bachelor Studies website recognizes Georgian College in Canada as a top undergraduate program in counseling, and they offer an Honours Bachelor of Counselling Psychology.

This four-year program also includes an internship and field placement for students to put their learning into practice.

BA(Hons) Counselling – U.K.

West Suffolk College offers a three-year program for a bachelor’s degree in counseling.

Supervision hours are embedded within the program and begin in the first year. All lecturing staff are counselors or psychotherapists certified by the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy and/or the United Kingdom Council for Psychotherapy. This program focuses on an integrative approach to counseling.

Various Counseling Courses – Australia

The Australian College of Applied Psychology (ACAP) offers a two-year graduate diploma and a two-year master’s degree in counseling and psychotherapy.

ACAP’s psychology degrees are accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council, and their higher education counseling degrees are accredited by the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia.

6 Master’s Degrees to Consider

In some areas, someone who already holds a degree in education, psychology, or counseling may be a candidate for a master’s degree program. You may be interested in one of the following programs if you are interested in changing fields.

Master of Education in School Counseling – California, U.S.

The University of Southern California offers an online Master of Education in School Counseling. This program takes less than two years to complete and prepares future counselors to assist students with career and college readiness, restorative justice, and trauma, while helping students meet their academic, social, and emotional needs.

Best of all, this program will help school counselor candidates to apply for the school counseling credential.

MS Educational Counseling/Pupil Personnel Services Credential – California, U.S.

National University offers an MS in Educational Counseling along with a Pupil Personnel Services Credential (for applicants in California). Their four-week online or on-site classes are tailored to working adults who would like to get started as soon as possible and finish faster. Moreover, National University is military friendly and veteran founded.

MS in School Counseling – Online, various locations

Capella University’s Master of Science in School Counseling is accredited by both the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs and Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation.

This degree program will also help students to obtain their school counseling credential. Capella University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and extends a FlexPath option with a 14-month duration.

School Counseling (MA) – Iowa, U.S.

The University of Iowa offers a Master of Arts Degree in School Counseling. This program is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs. This degree is offered with or without a thesis.

Master of Education (MEd) – Pennsylvania, U.S.

The Master of Education in Counselor Education from Penn State University prepares potential school counselors.

This program also requires extensive practicum fieldwork and is one of the largest graduate schools in the nation.

MSc Counselling and Positive Psychology – U.K.

The MSc in Counselling and Positive Psychology offered by the University of Bolton is an 18-month degree program that prepares candidates for professional registration with the BACP.

It is a dual qualification that allows for many career options. Further, this program also prepares students to find a supervisory placement and take the BACP Certificate of Proficiency exam.

Top 5 Online Certification Options

Similar to social work, clinical psychology, and education, school counseling also includes certificate options for those with graduate degrees in counseling.

While it isn’t always possible to obtain the entire school counseling certification online because of the necessary supervision hours, there are several certification options to pursue once you obtain your school counseling credential.

American School Counselor Association – Virginia, U.S.

The American School Counselor Association (ASCA) offers numerous opportunities. Webinars and professional conferences are listed on the ASCA site. The ASCA U Specialist Training also offers graduate credits and continuing education units.

Capella University – Online, various locations

Capella offers a hybrid online and in-person experience for a graduate certificate program in Counseling, Contemporary Theory in School-Based Services.

Capella is a private for-profit, online university. They offer 52 degree programs.

British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy – U.K.

The British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy provides various opportunities for growth and is a continuing professional development (CPD) hub for practitioners to remain current in their practice. Further, school counselors can record their CPD hours.

Edith Cowan University – Australia

Edith Cowan University’s Graduate Certificate of Counselling is ideal for working professionals who wish to develop a counseling role within their position.

This one-year online course may be relevant for health professionals, social workers, personnel officers, pastors, human service workers, psychologists, and counselors.

National Board for Certified Counselors – North Carolina, U.S.

Once you are a school counselor, it may be beneficial to apply to the National Certified School Counselors Program.

Education, supervision hours, work experience, and exam scores on the National Counselor Examination or the National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examinations are required.

This program would demonstrate that the counselor has met high standards through a rigorous program and ultimately makes a school counselor more marketable.

How Do School Counselors Help Students?

School counselors are trained to help students with all sorts of things. Their role is different at each school, but here are some things most school counselors can do.

School counselors can help with school and career planning. For example, they can:

  • help you plan your schedule
  • coach you on study skills
  • help if you’re having problems in a class or want to improve your grades
  • advise you on taking the right classes to get into your dream college
  • help you find out how to prepare for the SATs
  • offer advice on how to write a college application essay or how to prepare a job application
  • help you learn about careers and plan for life after high school
  • offer learning support for students who need extra help, or provide a quiet classroom where students can do schoolwork

Counselors can help with personal issues. They are trained to:

  • be good and thoughtful listeners
  • give you support when you want to share a problem
  • talk things through with you and help you make good decisions
  • help you get extra help if you need it

Some counselors lead support groups for students who are going through the same issues. Ask your counselor what support groups are offered at your school. For example, some schools have groups for:

  • LGBTQ+ students
  • students with social anxiety
  • dealing with grief when a loved one dies
  • learning mindfulness
  • improving study skills

How Do I See the Counselor?

Seeing a counselor is different at each school. You may be assigned a counselor (or advisor) when you start the school year. Or your school may leave it up to you to go to the counseling office on your own. Your school counselor might visit each class to let students know how to see them.

Your school’s website, someone in the school office, or a trusted teacher can also tell you how to see the counselor. In most schools, students can make an appointment with the counselor to talk about whatever’s on their mind

A Take-Home Message

School counselors are multifunctional. They must be positive, objective, supportive, communicative, understanding, loyal, and flexible, among many other qualities (Popov & Spasenovic, 2020).

They must be able to motivate, be patient, and remain discreet, all while having a friendly demeanor and respecting the appropriate ethics code. With such prerequisites, it is understandable that a degree in counseling or psychology would be necessary. It is important to remember to check your local requirements for becoming a school counselor, as they vary so much from place to place.

Guided supervision under an experienced school counselor will enhance your journey. An opportunity to practice while receiving frequent feedback will help you develop your professional identity and apply the code of ethics. Therefore, it may be advantageous to choose a program that includes this.

If you think you have what it takes, consider pursuing this fascinating profession. If you already have a career in education or psychology, a master’s degree would be your next step. If you are fresh out of high school or new to higher education, you may want to begin with one of the undergraduate counseling degree options.

Remember to check with your local education agency regarding the best path to becoming a school counselor, as many countries and states have varying requirements. Reviewing the accreditation applicable to your area will be most helpful.

Regardless of the program you choose, your future as a school counselor will undoubtedly be fulfilling as you work with students and prepare them for the future.

REFERENCES

  • American Counseling Association. (2014). ACA code of ethics. Retrieved May 28, 2021, from http://www.counseling.org/docs/ethics/2014-aca-code-of-ethics.pdf?sfvrsn=4
  • American School Counselor Association. (n.d.). State certification requirements. Retrieved June 1, 2021, from https://www.schoolcounselor.org/About-School-Counseling/State-Requirements-Programs/State-Licensure-Requirements
  • Brott, P. E. (2006). Counselor education accountability: Training the effective professional school counselor. Professional School Counseling10(2).
  • McCarthy, J. (2011). Counselor preparation in England and Ireland: A look at six programs. Professional Counselor1(3), 176–190.
  • Page, B. J., Pietrzak, D. R., & Sutton J. M. (2001). National survey of school counselor supervision. Counselor Education and Supervision41(2), 142–150.
  • Popov, N., & Spasenovic, V. (2020). School counseling: A comparative study in 12 countries. Bulgarian Comparative Education Society18, 34–41.
  • U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2021). Occupational outlook handbook: School and career counselors and advisors. U.S. Department of Labor. Retrieved June 1, 2021, from https://www.bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social-service/school-and-career-counselors.htm

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