A high school counselor is a licensed professional who offers a variety of services to high school students. He or she often provides advice and resources to students regarding their future college and career plans. A counselor may also help students who are struggling with behavioral problems, family issues, and stress. He or she often acts as a grief counselor to students in the event of a death or other traumatic situation. High school counselors are often very knowledgeable about developmental and family psychology, and skilled at providing direct, compassionate therapy to troubled individuals.
Students who need assistance making plans for the future often seek the guidance of their high school counselor. Counselors are typically very familiar with admissions procedures for colleges and the steps people must take to enter certain career fields. A high school counselor might help a student research different colleges or employers, provide information and resources regarding how to submit applications, and even write reference letters. He or she often researches what types of scholarships and financial aid are available, and assists students in acquiring such resources. In addition, a counselor may instruct students on how to write resumes and cover letters in order to improve their chances of finding employment.
A high school counselor helps students with their academic, social, and personal struggles. He or she might evaluate the causes of stress or behavioral problems, and suggest ways that a student can better handle difficult situations. A counselor often meets regularly with students who have lingering family or school issues, and evaluates the progress of treatment plans. When necessary, he or she refers students to family services professionals, psychiatrists, or professional psychologists to provide further care. If a school-wide traumatic experience occurs, such as the unexpected death of a classmate, the counselor might speak to the troubled student body and offer grief counseling services.
To become a high school counselor, a person must typically obtain at least a bachelor's degree, though counselors with master's degrees or higher enjoy more career opportunities. In addition to educational requirements, new counselors are often required to spend about a year working under the supervision of experienced professionals before they can provide their services independently. Most states and countries require counselors to become licensed, which involves passing a written exam regarding ethics and counseling techniques. Additional certification is not always required, but many high school counselors choose to become certified to improve their credentials and advance their careers.
