School Counselors & School Clinicians: Understand the Difference to Best Support Our Local Children

School counselors and school clinicians play vital roles in providing support services in our local schools, but their functions and areas of expertise differ significantly. Understanding the differences can help parents and guardians choose the right support for their children.
 

School Counselors: Guiding Academic and Social Growth

School counselors are hired and paid by the school district to focus on the academic, career, and social-emotional development of students. They work with students on a variety of issues, such as academic performance, social skills, college readiness, and conflict resolution. Counselors often conduct classroom guidance lessons, small group sessions, and individual counseling focused on these areas of development. Their training typically includes a master's degree in school counseling or a related field, and they are certified to work in educational settings. School counselors serve as advocates for students, helping them navigate challenges that may affect their educational journey.
 

School Clinicians: Providing Mental Health Support

School clinicians are licensed behavioral health professionals, such as social workers, psychologists, or licensed professional counselors, that are embedded within the schools. Their primary focus is to address students' behavioral health challenges, such as anxiety, depression, trauma, and behavioral issues. They provide therapy and counseling services tailored to individual needs and often work with students facing significant emotional or psychological distress. School clinicians can conduct assessments, develop treatment plans, and implement therapeutic interventions. Their goal is to support students in coping with mental health issues, enhancing their overall well-being, and improving their academic performance through mental health stability. Additional information about school-based clinicians can be found here. 
 

Booking an Appointment with a School Clinician

If you believe your child could benefit from the support of a school clinician, booking an appointment requires just a few easy steps. 

1. Contact Vail Health Behavioral Health: Reach out to Vail Health Behavioral Health at (970) 445-2489 to schedule an appointment. The scheduling team can help check the availability of clinicians at your child’s school. Additionally, you may want to speak directly with your child's school counselor or the administrative staff for assistance with the referral process.
2. Request an Appointment: After making contact, specify your desire to book an appointment with a school clinician. It may be helpful to provide a brief overview of your child’s needs, ensuring that your request is directed appropriately.
3. Complete Necessary Forms: You may be asked to complete certain forms or provide consent for your child to receive therapy. Make sure to fill these out thoroughly to expedite the scheduling process.
4. Schedule the Appointment: Once the above steps are followed, the Vail Health scheduling team will work to find an appropriate time for your child to meet with the clinician.
5. Follow-Up: Stay engaged—your involvement is crucial to your child's behavioral health journey and overall success. After your child has had an appointment with a clinician, consider scheduling follow-up sessions or regular check-ins, either within the school setting or in an outpatient setting at Vail Health Behavioral Health. This will help ensure ongoing support and allow you to address any lingering concerns. Your active participation can make a significant difference in your child's well-being.

 

Navigating the differences between school counselors and school clinicians can empower parents to make informed decisions about their child’s support needs. Both counselors and clinicians play essential roles in promoting a healthy, supportive educational environment. If mental health concerns arise, don’t hesitate to reach out to a school clinician to ensure your child receives the necessary care and assistance.