School counselors support students’ academic, social, emotional, and career development. Services may include: 

• Short-term individual counseling 

• Small group counseling (e.g., study skills, friendship, coping strategies) 

• Classroom guidance lessons 

• Crisis intervention and safety planning 

• Referrals to community resources (when needed) 

Counseling at school is not the same as therapy. School counseling is short-term and solution-focused. Long-term or clinical mental health care may require referral to an outside professional.

Conversations between a student and the school counselor are generally private. However, confidentiality cannot be guaranteed in the following cases: 

• The student may be in danger of harming themselves or others. 

• There is suspected abuse or neglect. 

• The law requires information to be shared with parents/guardians or school officials. • SB 12 requires parental consent for ongoing counseling services.

Under Texas law (SB 12): 

• Written parent/guardian consent is required annually for students to receive counseling services beyond emergency or crisis situations. 

• Counselors cannot provide ongoing services without this consent. 

• Students may still receive first aid or immediate crisis intervention even without prior consent.