Counseling

Counseling

Our Mission

The mission of the DCMS School Counseling Department is to provide a data-informed, student-focused comprehensive school counseling program that builds a foundation for lifelong learning with emphasis on academic, social-emotional, and career development through culturally sustaining instruction and interventions, appraisal and advisement, and counseling for all students. 

Our Belief:

The DCMS School Counseling Department believes all students have the ability to learn and achieve when equitably supported in a safe, respectful, and nurturing learning environment.

What Services do We Offer?

Direct Services Include:

  • Instruction – teaching the school counseling curriculum to students focused on topics such as stress management, social skills, personal safety, career development, and academic success

  • Appraisal and Advisement – working with students to identify their abilities and interests and to help them make decisions regarding their future academic and career pathways

  • Counseling – providing professional assistance and support to individual students or small groups of students during times of heightened stress, transition, or other situations impeding student success

Indirect Services Include:

  • Consultation – sharing strategies to support student achievement with families, teachers, other educators, and community organizations

  • Collaboration – working alongside other educators, families, and the community to support student achievement

  • Referrals – supporting the well being and success of students by connecting students and families to valuable school and community-based resources

*School counselors do not provide therapy or long-term counseling in schools; however, school counselors are prepared to recognize and respond to student mental health needs and assist students and families in seeking resources.