Navigating the Role of School Counseling Versus Mental Health Counseling
School counselors serve a foundational role in the school systems.
Oftentimes, school counselors are used as a first line in helping to navigate bullying, academic support, peer relationships, and so much more. Mental health counselors have the ability to work alongside your child to help process trauma, social influences, family dynamics, etc. on an individual level and long term approach. Mental health counselors have the ability to process through the “why” behind behavior. In both modalities, treatment can work in connection with parents and teachers. With back-to-school in full swing, it can be tricky to know the best support and right fit for your child moving forward.
Here are a few examples of when to seek mental health support outside of school counseling support:
School Refusal
Being in the school environment may serve as a stressor for some kids. Navigating the “why” behind school refusal may be more beneficial in an outside environment.
At times, school refusal may stem from separation anxiety. Having the ability to have a parent in session may be what is needed in your child’s treatment plan.
Given the ability to have a longer time frame together, a mental health counselor has the time to dive into individualized coping skills for your child.
Divorce
Through mental health counseling, the counselor has the ability to meet with both parents individually or together to come up with the best treatment plan for your child.
In school, it may not be in the child’s best interest to process through feelings associated with divorce, and then have the child go back into the classroom setting.
Family sessions may be beneficial. This is not always an option for school counseling.
Divorces are complex topics that oftentimes come with a lot of layers to be mindful of. A counselor with experience and training in divorce may be the best fit to help navigate these things.
Neurodiversity
School counselors can help touch base with students for academic and social support. If you are seeing meltdowns a lot at home, then a mental health counselor may be beneficial.
Learning the coping skills outside of the school environment to then bring into school and practice may be the best approach for the child.
Parent support is a key component to overall treatment that mental health counselors can provide.
Mental health counselors can collaborate care with occupational therapists, speech therapists, teachers, etc. to aid in providing a holistic approach in treatment.
Executive functioning skills can be fostered and practiced in session without the distraction of school.
Of course, there exist so many reasons outside of this list to begin mental health counseling for your child, teen and/or family. The school year provides the opportunity for growth and learning. Collaborative and individualized counseling is at the forefront of what we do at Atlanta Wellness Collective to make sure that your child has the tools necessary to thrive in school, home, and outside environments.
ON THE BLOG: Therapy for My Child: What to Expect >
Here at Atlanta Wellness Collective, we want to help. For support, contact us or request an appointment online.
This blog was written by Alexandra Carver.
Disclaimer: This blog is not intended to substitute professional therapeutic advice. Talk with your healthcare provider about your health concerns and before starting or stopping therapies. No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct professional advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.
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