School Counselors differ from mental health counselors in a way that school counselors provide individual, group, and classroom counseling as short-term and solution-focused for ALL students. Mental Health Counselors provide individual counseling sessions and functions as long-term therapy.

Limitations of virtual school counseling include, but are not limited to, confidentiality, access, and availability. You can read more here: https://schoolcounselor.org/asca/media/asca/PositionStatements/PS_Virtual.pdf

Confidentiality- Information students share with the school counselor is confidential unless student gives the counselor permission to share. The student’s right to privacy is guarded as much as permitted by law, ethics, and school policy. The school counselor is obligated to break confidentiality when there is potential harm to the student or others, concern of neglect or abuse, or a court of law that requires testimony or student records.

At times, the counselor and school-based staff (teacher, social worker, principal, etc.) will need to exchange information about your child (how are they coping in class/online, strategies to help, etc.) All communication will take place only on a need-to-know basis.

E-mail transmissions may contain confidential health information that is privileged and legally protected from disclosure by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).  This information is intended only for the use of the individual(s) named in the email.  If you are not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that reading, disseminating, disclosing, distributing, copying, acting upon or otherwise using the information contained in this email is strictly prohibited.

Please be aware that counselors do not check email except during school hours and scheduled evening hours. If this is a crisis or emergency call 911 or go to your local emergency room.

We look forward to a great year and working with you and your family :)