Counseling Department

Role of the School Counselor The role of the school counselor is to work within the mission of Dominican High School by implementing a counseling program that holistically addresses the academic, personal/social, and career development of all students. This programming is provided through group and individual counseling, academic/college planning, and the delivery of school counseling curriculum in the classroom. The school counselors also provide short-term counseling in times of crisis and are trained to identify and respond to student mental health needs. Counselors assist students and families by providing resources and referrals to outside help when necessary and appropriate. They also serve as a bridge between students/families and the school when necessary. Services The Counseling Department is student-centered and is integral to the educational program at Dominican. The counselors collaborate with school staff, parents, administration, and the community to promote positive student development and success. Counselors honor the individuality of each student and build upon their natural gifts and talents to help them reach their goals. Programming at each grade level is tailored to fit the unique and developmental needs of students at that time. The counseling department offers: • Academic advising • Course/schedule planning • College/career planning • Mental health counseling (short-term) • Crisis intervention and referrals Confidentiality Because counseling is based on a trusting relationship between the school counselor and student, information shared by the student will be kept confidential except in certain situations where confidentiality is limited. Under the following circumstances, school counselors are required to share information with others and break student confidentiality: 1. The student is presenting information about harming himself or another person 2. There is evidence or disclosure of past/current neglect or abuse (physical, sexual, and/or emotional) 3. There is a threat to school safety 4. The presenting information will dramatically impact the well-being of the greater Dominican community Counselors may share information with parents/guardians, teachers and/or administrators on a need to know basis so that efforts can be coordinated to best support the student. Parents have the right to know about their child's general progress and are entitled to any and all information regarding academics (homework, test performance, grades, etc.). -14-