What Does A Guidance Counselor Do? School Counselors And Mental Health

What does a guidance counselor do? According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), school counselors help students develop academic and social skills and plans for after graduation. Guidance counselors, now usually called school counselors, can offer steady support through students' high and low moments.

Guidance counselor vs. school counselor: Why the title changed

The two titles describe the same professional, though "school counselor" is now the preferred term. In 1990, the American School Counselor Association (ASCA) issued a statement calling on the profession to change the title to "school counselor". ASCA noted that the older title no longer reflected the broad scope of the work.

Parents and job seekers still use both titles, so asking "What does a school counselor do?" brings the same answer. School counselors are one of several different types of counselors, each with its own training and focus. Here's a closer look at the role itself.

What does a guidance counselor do?

Day to day, the role often centers on students' academic progress, social and emotional growth, and plans after graduation. The work can include one-on-one meetings, small-group sessions, classroom lessons, and collaboration with families. Counselors may also help students understand their abilities and interests.

Typical guidance counselor responsibilities may include:

• Helping students work through social or behavioral challenges
• Reviewing attendance and other patterns that may affect academic performance
• Building study skills, such as time management
• Evaluating students' abilities and interests through aptitude assessments
• Collaborating with teachers and families on academic, career, and social goals
• Reporting possible neglect or abuse and referring families to support

The profession's history may explain how the role grew so broad.

A brief history of school counselors

According to ASCA, school counselors in the United States first appeared in the early 20th century as vocational guidance counselors. Federal laws passed in 1946 and 1958 helped expand counselor training and positions. Counseling in elementary schools took root in the 1960s.

ASCA later released a national framework, the ASCA National Model, which outlines how school counseling programs can be designed and delivered. It may help guide how counselors support each grade level.

What guidance counselors do at each school level

The guidance counselor role can shift as students grow and their needs change. Elementary counselors may focus on social skills and behavior, while middle school counselors often help with transitions and emerging concerns. High school counselors may focus on college and career plans.

Elementary school

At this level, counselors may visit classrooms or meet with students one-on-one or in groups. An elementary guidance counselor might also help students handle bullying, gossip, and disagreements with friends.

Middle school

Students in grades six through eight may begin searching for their own identity, often turning more to peers than parents. Within district policy, they may address sexual wellness and offer referrals.

Some students may start to show symptoms of mental health conditions, and the counselor may offer resources and suggestions. If your child needs more ongoing support, finding a child counselor outside of school may help.

High school

In grades nine through twelve, counseling often centers on academics and future plans. A high school guidance counselor may help students weigh careers, college applications, financial aid, and training programs. While counselors may address emotional concerns, the main focus is often preparing students for life beyond school.

University

College advisors may help students choose a major, explore careers, or navigate admissions or financial aid. Families can explore college counseling services for life after high school. With students over 18, parents may be less involved, though they often play a larger role in earlier grades.

How guidance counselors work with parents

Parents and caregivers can reach out to a school counselor directly with questions or concerns. Some counselors may work with families to create a caring environment and explain academic progress. In some cases, they may also offer students short-term support during changes such as divorce or grief and connect families to outside resources.

A student may receive an individualized education plan (IEP) or 504 plan for disability-related accommodations. According to ASCA, counselors may serve on the IEP team as collaborators and advocate for students. They typically don't write or manage these plans.

When stress affects the whole household, the benefits of family counseling may be worth exploring. While BetterHelp may not offer family therapy, it can be an appropriate start to learn more about online therapy in general and get support. That stress may also affect a child's mood, which is where a counselor's mental health support can help.

How guidance counselors support student mental health

School counselors can be an early point of contact when a student's mood, behavior, or schoolwork changes. According to an ASCA position statement, they may provide short-term counseling and crisis intervention, along with referrals to school and community resources. They do not diagnose mental health conditions or provide long-term therapy.

ASCA lists signs that a student may need more support, including:

• Changes in school performance or attendance
• Mood changes
• School avoidance
• Physical complaints that may be linked to stress
• More disciplinary concerns at school
• Challenges at home or within the family

If a counselor notices these signs, they may reach out to parents and suggest outside mental health support. Counselors can then act as a bridge to other professionals.

Guidance counselor vs. school psychologist vs. therapist

These three professionals can support students in different ways. A school counselor typically focuses on all students' academic, career, and social growth. A school psychologist may focus more on assessment and learning needs, while a licensed therapist can provide ongoing mental health care outside of school.

The American Psychological Association describes the work of school psychologists as a distinct specialty.

Outside of school, learning how therapists and psychologists differ may help parents choose a good fit. With these roles in mind, it may be easier to see how school counselors help students succeed.

How guidance counselors help students succeed

School counselors can guide students toward academic goals and offer advice on bullying and self-esteem. A counselor can be a listening ear when students have trouble at home, at work, or with friends. In some cases, counselors may work with school staff and community organizations to identify students experiencing homelessness and link families to resources.

For readers drawn to this kind of work, the next section outlines the path to the role.

How to become a guidance counselor

Becoming a guidance counselor often takes graduate-level education and a state credential, and requirements can vary by state. The BLS reports a median annual wage of $64,330 in May 2025 for school and career counselors and advisors. Employment is projected to grow 3% from 2025 to 2035.

According to the BLS, common requirements may include:

• A master's degree in school counseling or a related field
• A state-issued credential
• A criminal background check, which most states require

For people exploring options, career and job counseling may help clarify whether this path fits. Parents may also wonder when to look beyond the school counselor.

When to contact your child's school counselor vs. a therapist

A school counselor can be a good first call for concerns tied to school, such as grades, friendships, or bullying. A licensed therapist may be a better fit when emotional changes last for weeks or affect home life. Some families may find that both roles work well together.

Consider contacting the school counselor about:

• Sudden changes in grades or attendance
• Bullying or conflict with friends or teachers
• Interest in an evaluation, IEP, or 504 plan

Consider a licensed therapist for:

• Mood changes that last for weeks
• Stress that carries over into home life
• Grief after a loss, divorce, or other major change

Resources for finding teen counseling can help families compare options outside school.

Parents may also find value in support of their own.

Online therapy for parents and teens

Parents may experience their own stress as children grow and reach new milestones. With online therapy, parents can meet with a licensed therapist from the comfort of home. Sessions can be scheduled at times that fit work and family routines, and extensive research has demonstrated the effectiveness of online therapy for a range of mental health concerns.

BetterHelp offers individual therapy for adults, and TeenCounseling offers online counseling for teens ages 13 to 19. Both options can sit alongside the help a school counselor provides.