School Counseling and

Clinical Mental Health

Counseling Information:
Counselor Roles
ARIEL HARRISON, PH.D.
Credentials
SCHOOL COUNSELORS
Licensed or certified in all 50 states to provide
academic, personal/social, and career support
to Prek-12 students.
Typically, eligible for licensure or certification
after completion of degree, possible state
exam, or teaching experience
Employed in K-12 settings as school
counselors, career counselors, graduation
coaches, college counselors, etc.
CLINICAL  MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELORS
Licensed in all 50 states to assess, diagnose, and treat
mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders.
Various state license titles (LCMHC, LMHC, LPC, LCPC).
Typically, complete post-graduate 3000 hours of
supervised practice.
Focus on total health wellness and development
across the lifespan that considers biological,
psychological, and social factors.
Employed in various settings across the continuum of
care, including health promotion, addiction recovery
services, crisis services, telehealth, etc.
Working with Students or Clients
SCHOOL COUNSELORS
Provide academic, personal/social, and career support for all
K-12 students in individual, small-group, and large group
settings.
Promote the development of a comprehensive school
counseling program using the ASCA National Model or
applicable state model.
Consult and collaborate with stakeholders such as parents,
teachers, administrators, social workers, psychologists,
counselors, and community organizations.
Provide short-term counseling.
Provide referrals for long-term support.
Analyze data to identify student needs, issues and challenges.
CLINICAL MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELORS
Support, assess, diagnose, and treat mental health
challenges.
Work with individuals, families, groups, and
community organizations.
Provide short-term and long-term counseling
support.
Work with clients to set goals, develop a treatment
plan, and gain insight through treatment.
Refer clients to other health professionals as well as
to other resources in the community such as other
social services, job services, and support groups.
Other School Support Personnel
School Psychologists School Social Workers School-Based Counselors
Degree/license in psychology or Degree/license in social work or Degree/license in clinical mental health
educational psychology. school social work. counseling or psychology.

Administer, analyze, and interpret Recognize school, family, and Contracted by the school to strictly
psychological and psycho-educational community systems. provide mental health support to
assessments. students during the school day.

Select and implement appropriate, Connect students and families with Assess, diagnose, and implement
evidence-based specialized appropriate community services. evidence-based interventions and
interventions. treatment plans.

Promote success for targeted students Facilitate services for targeted Support identified students with
with particular needs. students with particular needs. mental health concerns and diagnoses.