Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools offers small group counseling to students in order to remove barriers that impact academic achievement.

Participation in the group is completely voluntary; being a part of a counseling group is an excellent way for students to learn new skills, develop self-confidence, and practice new behaviors; groups also provide a chance for students to talk, listen, and support each other. These services are not intended as a substitute for the diagnosis or treatment of a mental health condition.  

In order to build trust, the Student Services team member who is facilitating the group counseling sessions will keep information that is discussed within sessions confidential, with some exceptions:
1. Because these services are provided in the school setting, limited information may be shared on a need to know basis with school personnel in order to better support the student
2. As required by law in the event the student is in danger of harm to self or others or there is cause to suspect possible abuse or neglect
3. A guardian can request that the Student Services team member share information with a third party by signing a consent for release of information form

The confidentiality policy amongst the group members is, “what is said in group, stays in group,” and we ask that students honor this policy by not repeating what other students have said during group sessions.