This descriptive survey research study (N = 120) examined the self-reported
comfort level of school counselors in addressing the mental health needs of
their students and school counselor perceptions regarding working relationships
with school-based therapists. Survey results indicated that school counselors
are generally confident in their counseling skills and comfortable addressing
common issues brought to them by their students. However, these same school
counselors indicated that they experience some discomfort in working with
students living with DSM diagnoses and that specific courses within counselor
training programs may have a mitigating effect on this discomfort. Results also
revealed that school counselors are willing to lead and work with
cross-disciplinary teams and school-based therapists to better meet the mental
health needs of their students.
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