A school counselor is a certified professional who addresses student academic, career, and social-emotional development through a comprehensive school counseling program. Modern school counselors focus on prevention and intervention, working with all students rather than only those in crisis.
Roles and Responsibilities
School counselors provide academic guidance, social-emotional support, college and career counseling, crisis intervention, and consultation with teachers and families. They deliver classroom lessons, small group counseling, individual counseling, and system-level interventions.
Counselor-to-Student Ratios
ASCA recommends a ratio of 250 students per counselor, though actual ratios often exceed 400:1. High caseloads limit counselors' ability to provide comprehensive services.