Empowering School Counselors for Enhanced School Mental Health Systems

The recent surge in demand for psychological counselors in academic institutions has highlighted both opportunities and challenges in addressing the mental health needs of students. In my previous article on the mental health of medical students, I emphasized the importance of early mental health support. The foundation for such support must be established much earlier, beginning at the school level. While the government's initiatives to establish counseling cells in schools and colleges are commendable, we must ensure these positions are filled by qualified, well-trained professionals. My professional journey in the mental health space began with my first job I got as a school counselor. I have first hand experienced the profound impact competent counseling can have on students, but it has also underscored the necessity for clear qualifications, proper supervision, and a structured support system.

When I started my journey as a school counselor, the school was unsure of my role. Initially, I was asked to substitute for teachers or organize extracurricular activities. Realizing this was not what the students needed, I requested a few weeks to define my role. I created my own KPIs and SOPs, which included:

• Conducting assessments to establish baselines for students.
• Meeting with families and teachers to understand students' needs.
• Organizing group sessions focused on capacity building and skill development.
• Training stakeholders to identify signs of mental health concerns and provide psychological first aid.

This structured approach not only maximized my effectiveness but also aligned the expectations of all stakeholders, making my work more fulfilling. It was clear that a well-defined role and proper qualifications were essential for success.

For many years, I have dedicated myself to school mental health by conducting mental health awareness workshops, training teachers and parents to be active partners in students' mental well-being, and empowering school counselors to advocate for their roles and professional identities. As Cigrand et al. (2015) point out, advocating for the counseling profession and promoting counselors’ roles is critical for ensuring high-quality and ethically sound professional practice that best supports all clients. Professional advocacy in school counseling helps define counselors' roles and responsibilities, ensuring they provide direct and indirect services as outlined in the ASCA National Model from the American School Counselor Association (ASCA, 2012).

So what are the qualifications MA/MSc Psychology? counselling? Clinical?

The qualifications for school counselors in India must be clearly defined to ensure that students receive the best possible support. Currently as per the NCERT, the standard qualifications include a Bachelor's in psychology and then a Postgraduate degree in psychology, along with a PG Diploma in School Counseling or Guidance from recognized institutions like NCERT. These qualifications provide a solid foundation in understanding human behavior, mental health issues, and counseling techniques

Supervision Requirements?

For new counselors entering the field, supervision is critical even if its not etched in golden letters in the curricula for school counselors anywhere in India. Supervised practicums should be mandatory parts of the training process, providing hands-on experience under the guidance of seasoned professionals. Even for experienced counselors, peer supervision is invaluable. Regular peer supervision sessions allow counselors to discuss challenging cases, receive feedback, and stay updated on best practices and new research (School Counselors' Supervision, 2020).

Implementing a Stepped Care Model

A stepped care model can ensure that students receive the appropriate level of support based on their needs. This model involves multiple layers of intervention:

1. First Responders: Peer counselors, parents, and teachers should be trained as the initial points of contact. They can provide basic support and identify students who may need more specialized help.
2. School Counselors: Professional school counselors should be available to provide more in-depth support. They can conduct assessments, offer individual and group counseling, and develop intervention plans.
3. Licensed Clinical Psychologists or Psychiatrists: For students with severe mental health issues, referrals to licensed clinical psychologists or psychiatrists should be made. These professionals can provide advanced therapeutic interventions and, if necessary, medication management.

This approach is supported by models such as the Comprehensive School Mental Health Program (CSMHP) and the Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS), which integrate academic and behavioral supports through multiple tiers of intervention. CSMHP emphasizes collaboration between schools, families, and mental health professionals, while MTSS focuses on providing high-quality education and promoting positive behavior for all students (Wilkerson 2013).

How These Models Can Help Prevent Suicides and Crisis Among Young People

Implementing a stepped care model in schools can significantly reduce the risk of crises, including suicides, by providing timely and appropriate interventions at various levels of need. Early identification and intervention are crucial, with first responders trained to recognize signs of distress and provide initial support. Comprehensive support systems within schools reduce the stigma associated with seeking help, and clear protocols for escalating cases to mental health professionals ensure prompt and effective care for students in severe distress .

Addressing the Issue of Unqualified Counselors

One of the significant concerns highlighted in recent discussions is the hiring of underqualified counselors,which also triggered me to write this piece, particularly in smaller cities and towns. This practice can do more harm than good, as untrained counselors may inadvertently trigger harmful emotions or fail to provide adequate support. To combat this, it is essential to enforce stringent hiring practices that prioritize qualifications , training and supervision. Additionally, offering more accessible and competitive training opportunities can attract qualified professionals to the field, ensuring that schools do not resort to hiring unqualified individuals out of financial constraints. Given the high demand and limited supply of qualified counselors, expanding training programs and providing scholarships or financial incentives for advanced training can help meet the growing needs of schools.

Leveraging Digital Interventions

Incorporating digital mental health interventions can significantly enhance the effectiveness of school counseling programs. Digital platforms can aid in assessments, provide supplemental support to students, and offer remote training opportunities for counselors, especially in low-resource settings. For instance, tele-counseling services can be utilized for more severe cases, ensuring students receive specialized care when needed. Additionally, online training modules can equip teachers and peer counselors with the skills to provide initial emotional support safely .

Collaborative Ecosystem of Mental Health Professionals

Can't Stress on this enough!! Different types of mental health professionals, including school counselors, mental health counselors, coaches, and clinical psychologists, each play a vital role in supporting student mental health. Rather than viewing each other as threats, these professionals should work collaboratively as part of a comprehensive ecosystem. School counselors are often the first point of contact and can provide immediate support and referrals. Mental health counselors and coaches can offer ongoing emotional and behavioral support, while clinical psychologists can address more severe mental health issues through advanced therapeutic interventions.

Effective liaison and referral systems are essential to ensure students receive the appropriate level of care. By establishing clear communication channels and collaborative practices, these professionals can work together to create a student-centric support network. This holistic approach ensures that students are cared for comprehensively and that their diverse needs are met by the right specialists at the right time.

Overcoming Stigma and Increasing Accessibility

Despite the establishment of counseling cells, many students hesitate to seek help due to stigma and privacy concerns. Wysa recently published this youth mental health report that indicates that more than half of those young people who screen positive for mental health issues have not spoken to a relevant professional. Even in a society that is increasingly open about mental health challenges, a large number of teenagers remain reluctant to seek help. When asked what prevents them from reaching out, the responses were telling:

• 43% are too embarrassed
• 41% don’t think they need help
• 34% don’t think anyone will care
• 17% don’t know who to ask

To address these barriers, schools must create an environment where mental health is openly discussed and seeking help is normalized. This can be achieved through awareness campaigns, incorporating mental health education into the curriculum, and ensuring confidentiality in counseling services and offering ways that seem safe enough for students to be able to have these conversations. Many years ago I would keep a box outside my counselling room for students to come and drop chits, post its with their concerns written on it and then I would organise group sessions to talk about those concerns, solutions, skills students needed to navigathe through those concerns.

Every child deserves mental health support, and does not have to experience serious mental health concerns or to identify themselves to get help. Provision of digital mental health interventions can help students receive this support in safe , anonymous way as well as be signposted to speak to their school counselor or crisis helpline in case that need arises.

To Wrap it up

The role of school counselors is pivotal in shaping the mental health and well-being of students. By setting clear qualifications, ensuring proper supervision, implementing a stepped care model, and leveraging digital interventions, we can provide students with the comprehensive support they need. Moreover, creating structured roles and responsibilities for counselors and addressing the issue of unqualified hires can significantly enhance the effectiveness of school counseling programs. As we continue to advocate for better mental health services in schools, let’s work towards a system where every student feels supported, understood, and valued cause everyone has mental health and every student deserves mental health support whenever they feel the need for it.