The current research study explored the experiences of collaboration between K–12 school counselors and clinical mental health counselors (CMHCs). Through transcendental phenomenology, we examined the perspectives of 10 practicing school counselors who have collaborated with CMHCs. We identified seven main themes that highlighted the essence of these experiences: (a) key factors for effective collaboration, (b) “no ego on the table,” (c) benefits of collaboration, (d) roadblocks to collaboration, (e) eliminating roadblocks to collaboration, (f) preservice training, and (g) forging forward in practice. Implications and recommendations from this study inform practicing counselors and counselor education programs about these collaboration experiences and the need for collaboration to support the academic and social/emotional success of K–12 students.
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