Counseling Services at Cary Academy
The goal of Counseling Services at Cary Academy is to support the school’s mission to educate the whole child by focusing on the social and emotional development of students. In particular, School Counselors are available to assist students for whom social and emotional issues are affecting the learning process or general development. Counseling is provided individually or in groups. School Counselors are also available as a resource for parents, providing guidance on issues related to adolescent development, parenting, and the student’s school experience. When students or families require support that extends beyond the means of Cary Academy staff, or when parents request it, the School Counselors provide parents with referral information regarding professional services in the community.
The information revealed by a student or parent during counseling is confidential and will not become part of the student’s school record. More generally, the information revealed by a student (or parent) during counseling is not subject to disclosure without the individual’s consent; however, there are important exceptions to the expectation of confidentiality. An exception is warranted when disclosure reasonably appears necessary to protect the student or someone else from serious, foreseeable, and imminent harm. If, for example, based upon a student’s conduct, communication, or expressed intent, the School Counselor reasonably believes that the student may be in imminent danger, the counselor may contact the person who is responsible for the student’s well-being (usually a parent). In such instances the School Counselor will inform the person that he or she is concerned for the student’s safety and recommend a course of action. Similarly, parents may be contacted when the School Counselor reasonably believes that there may be a serious emotional or behavioral condition that requires further assessment or treatment. Sometimes the law requires disclosure, such as when there is information that indicates the possibility of child abuse. It should also be noted that in nearly every instance federal law requires a minor’s written consent for school counselors to inform parents of their minor child’s request for alcohol or abuse services.
Students and parents are encouraged to contact their School Counselor at any time. If a parent has concerns about their child or about participation in counseling services, the parent should speak with either the counselor with whom they have already worked or the counselor designated for their child’s grade level.
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