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Legal & ethical American school counselor association. (2018). Retrieved from https:// www.schoolcounselor.org/school-counselors-members/legal-ethical.

Murphy, J. J. (2015). Solution-focused counseling in schools. American Counseling Association.

Research & policy institute at NASPA student affairs in higher education. (2018). Retrieved from https://www.naspa.org/rpi/P10.

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What I learned about mental health in schools

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What I learned about mental health in schools

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Although mental health awareness has come a long way in schools, there is still a lack of resources and support. Within the last couple of years, academic counselors' focus has shifted from academic advising to mental health services and support. There are many legal and ethical issues regarding confidentiality and duty of care. At times, the lines can be blurred between what information is necessary to share and what should remain on a need-to-know basis.

Each student's case is different and should be handled accordingly. Counselors face opposition from other staff members on campus. For example, administrators, coaches, and teachers believe they are entitled to the same information about students that counselors are, which is not the case. I learned the role of counselors are oftentimes dependent on others to ensure students are safe. This task can be difficult, especially with all the other responsibilities entrusted to them.

Mental health awareness and well-being is important in schools because it affects many of aspects of student learning. Students do not learn if they are facing emotional, behavioral, psychological issues. If mental wellness is properly tended to by school counselors, students' will achieve academic success.

In my future role as a school counselor, I am fearful that I may inadvertently share too much information with teachers or administrators. This can pose a huge ethical and legal issue for me. I can avoid such issues by keeping abreast of new laws and cases about mental health through the Texas Education Agency as well as Counseling Associations. Staff developments are another way for me to educate myself on changes within the law and to ensure I am in compliance with all ethical and legal standards. When all else fails, I will rely on my Lead Counselor and colleagues for help.

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Mental Health Academic Resource through Angelo State University Library

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Mental Health Academic Resource through Angelo State University Library

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Through the Angelo State University Library I found this book which talks about providing solution-focused counseling in schools. The author suggests effective counseling can be done through building on the individual's strengths and successes, and giving credit to the individual for overcoming challenges, and treating the individual as a person rather than a set of problems.

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I searched "mental health in high schools" and came across this website by npr.org that identifies mental health as a hidden crisis in our schools. They sought out the advice of individuals within the schools and the community all across the country to ask what mental help would look like and who would be responsible for acting.

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Part One in an NPR Ed series on mental health in schools.
You might call it a silent epidemic.

Up to one in five kids living in the U.S. shows signs or symptoms of a mental health disorder in a given year.

So in a school classroom of 25 students, five of them may be struggling with the same issues many adults deal with: depression, anxiety, substance abuse.

And yet most children - nearly 80 percent - who need mental health services won't get them.

Whether treated or not, the children do go to school. And the problems they face can tie into major problems found in schools: chronic absence, low achievement, disruptive behavior and dropping out.

Experts say schools could play a role in identifying students with problems and helping them succeed. Yet it's a role many schools are not prepared for.

Educators face the simple fact that, often because of a lack of resources, there just aren't enough people to tackle the job. And the ones who are working on it are often drowning in huge caseloads. Kids in need can fall through the cracks.
"No one ever asked me"
Katie is one of those kids.

She's 18 now. Back when she was 8, she had to transfer to a different school in Prince George's County, Md., in the middle of the year.

"At recess, I didn't have friends to play with," she recalls. "I would make an excuse to stay inside with the teachers and finish extra work or do extra credit."

We're not using Katie's last name to protect her privacy. She's been diagnosed with bulimia and depression.

She says that in the span of a few months, she went from honor roll to failing. She put on weight; other kids called her "fat." She began cutting herself with a razor every day. And she missed a ton of school.

"I felt like every single day was a bad day," she says. "I felt like nobody wanted to help me."

Katie says teachers acted like she didn't care about her schoolwork. "I was so invisible to them."

Every year of high school, she says, was "horrible." She told her therapist she wanted to die and was admitted into the hospital.

During all this time, she says, not a single principal or teacher or counselor ever asked her one simple question: "What's wrong?"

If someone had asked, she says, she would have told them.
Who should have asked?
We talked to educators, advocates, teachers and parents across the country. Here's what they say a comprehensive approach to mental health and education would look like.
The family
The role: The first place to spot trouble is in the home, whether that trouble is substance abuse, slipping grades or a child who sleeps too much. Adults at home - parents, siblings, other relatives - are often the first to notice something going on.

The reality: Many families do not know what to look for. Sometimes a serious problem can be overlooked as "just a phase." But it's those sudden changes - angry outbursts, declining grades, changes in sleeping or eating - that can signal problems. When something unusual crops up, families can keep in close touch with the school.
The teacher
The role: During the week, many students see their teachers even more than their own families. Teachers are in a prime spot to notice changes in behavior. They read essays, see how students relate with other kids and notice when they aren't paying attention.

The reality: Teachers already have a ton on their plates. They're pressured to get test scores up, on top of preparing lessons and grading assignments. Plus, many teachers receive minimal training in mental health issues. But when they do see something concerning, they can raise a flag.
The social worker
The role: Social workers act like a bridge. If teachers come to them with a concern - maybe a child is acting withdrawn - one of the first things they'll do is call home. They see each child through the lens of their family, school and community. They might learn that a family is going through a divorce or homelessness.

The reality: There aren't enough of them. According to one model, every school should have one social worker for every 250 students. The reality is that in some schools, social workers are responsible for many more.
The counselor
The role: In some schools, counselors focus solely on academics: helping students pick classes and apply to college. But in others, they also act a lot like social workers, serving as a link to families and working with students who need support.

The reality: Like school social workers, there just aren't enough counselors. On average nationwide, each counselor is responsible for nearly 500 students. The American School Counselor Association recommends a caseload nearly half that size.
The special education teacher
The Role: Special education teachers may start working with students when a mental health problem affects the ability to do school work. They are primarily responsible for working on academic skills.

The reality: Again, there aren't enough of them. Nearly every state has reported a shortage of special education teachers. Half of all school districts say they have trouble recruiting highly qualified candidates.
The school psychologist
The Role: Here's one job that, on paper, is truly dedicated to student mental health. School psychologists are key players when it comes to crisis intervention and can refer students to outside help, such as a psychiatrist.

The reality: If you sense a pattern here, you're right. In the U.S., there is just one school psychologist for every 1,400 students, according to the most recent data available from the National Association of School Psychologists.
The school nurse
The role: Most any school nurse will tell you, physical and mental health are tough to separate. That puts nurses in a prime spot to catch problems early. For example: A kid who comes into the nurse's office a lot, complaining of headaches or stomach problems? That could be a sign of anxiety, a strategy to avoid a bully, or a sign of troubles at home.

The reality: The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recommends at least one nurse for every 750 students, but the actual ratio across the country can be much higher.
The principal
The role: As the top dogs in schools, principals make the big decisions about priorities. They can bring in social-emotional, anti-bullying and suicide-prevention programs.

The reality: Principals also have a lot on their plates: the day-to-day management of student behavior, school culture and teacher support.
Getting help, and "excited for life"
Katie says things started to turn around for her when she met a nurse at the Children's National Health System in Washington, D.C., who finally showed interest in what was wrong.

Now, she's begun college and wants to be a pediatric nurse.

"I'm doing a lot better now" she says. " Obviously, I mean, I'm a lot happier. I'm excited for school. I'm excited to graduate. I'm excited for life."

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Mental Health In Schools: A Hidden Crisis Affecting Millions Of Students

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An estimated 20 percent of children show signs or symptoms of a mental health problem. It's a destructive force in schools, but most educators don't have the training or resources to help.

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Legal & Ethical Issue of Interest to Me - Compliance for Mental Health

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Legal & Ethical Issue of Interest to Me - Compliance for Mental Health

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In speaking with Mrs. Guerrero, I was taken aback by all the concerns she had regarding various responsibilities counselors needed to comply with. Trisha kept going back to the same concern, regardless of the issue. She was worried about being in compliance with all the requirements necessary in the counseling office without other areas suffering, especially mental health.

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Exploration Option 1 - Current Professional

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Exploration Option 1 - Current Professional

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I interviewed Trisha Guerrero, the Lead Counselor at a local high school. During our interview, the top five things I learned about legal and ethical issues regarding counseling are the following:

#1.) Counselors should always have the best interest of the student in mind at all times, and staff are on a "need-to-know" basis in order to protect the student's confidentiality and trust. This task can be difficult, especially if the school principal asks for information that is confidential.
#2.) If a counselor receives information regarding any type of abuse (sexual, physical, or psychological), a report should be filed with Child Protective Services (CPS). Even if the counselor has limited information regarding such abuse, it is best to notify CPS so they may conduct a thorough investigation. It is not the counselor's responsibility to determine the abuse, but it is to report such incidents.
#3.) Sexual harassment is taken very seriously and should be reported to an administrator to conduct an investigation. Parents are notified in conjunction with local law enforcement. This can be especially difficult when it's a staff member that is accused of the sexual harassment. Communication continues with the Human Rights Coordinator, located at Central Office. This is in efforts to comply with Title IX in our school board policy.
#4.) Our school district has a zero tolerance policy for bullying; therefore, has developed a form that students, parents, teachers, and any other school district staff or member of the community may access to report bullying; it may even be done anonymously. A Counselor will report incidents to school administrators who will then investigate issues. Meanwhile, Counselors work with the victims to provided services needed. At times, counselors face opposition from coaches or admins because the aggressors are student athletes.
#5.) Counselors are ethically and legally responsible to act in the best interest of the student. So, if a student indicates contemplating suicide or a counselor receives notification by a teacher, students's friend/classmate, or parent, counselors are obligated to act. Sometimes, depending on the severity of the case, outside help is required by a local agency. This generally involves the counselors working with the police officers on campus to section the student for further psychological evaluation.

(T. Guerrero, personal communication, June 5, 2018)

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Exploration Option 2 - Professional Association Websites

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Exploration Option 2 - Professional Association Websites

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National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA)
The legal and ethical issues found on the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators website are: sexual harassment, more specially student on student sexual harassment and rights for transsexuals. Another prominent issue is immigration and international students.

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Exploration Option 2 - Professional Association Websites

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Exploration Option 2 - Professional Association Websites

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American School Counselor Association
After reviewing the American School Counselor Association website, two legal and ethical issues that counselors face are: confidentiality issues and duty of care issues. Counselors must always act in the best interest of the student without violating the student's trust or confidentiality so long as the behavior is not harmful to the student or anyone else.

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My goal is to complete a Master of Education in Guidance & Counseling, and I hope to obtain a position as an Academic Counselor at the high school in which I'm currently employed. This will allow me the opportunity to do what I love which is helping others, as well as serve the students I've built a relationship with, in and out of the classroom.