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Social Emotional Services » Counselor's Corner

Counselor's Corner

School Counseling 

What is the role of a school counselor?

It is the school counselor's role to support all students in three areas: academic, social emotional, and college and career. These three areas are addressed through school counseling core curriculum (i.e. SchooLinks Post-Secondary Lessons), responsive services (i.e. crisis response), individual student planning (i.e. high school applications), and indirect services (i.e. referrals or consultation with teachers/parents). More information about a school counselor's role here. 

All Tier 2 and 3 social emotional interventions (check-in/check out, attendance groups, etc.) are established in collaboration with Volta’s Behavioral Health Team.

At Volta, the school counselor also works with several community partners to support our families and staff including:

  • Lurie Children’s Hospital YES! Program
  • Communities in Schools
  • Lutheran Social Services Inc.
  • The Peace Exchange
  • Cook County Sheriff’s Department
  • Chicago Police Department: Officer Friendly Program & 017th District
  • Chicago SAFE Ambassadors
  • Between Friends 
  • Natya Dance Program

What does confidentiality look like when speaking with the school counselor?

Everything you share with the school counselor stays with the school counselor unless it is reported someone is hurting you, you are hurting someone else, or you are hurting yourself. These things need to be shared in order to keep everyone safe. 



What’s the difference between a school counselor and an outside therapist?

School counselors provide referrals to school and community resources that treat mental health issues (suicidal ideation, violence, abuse and depression) with the intent of removing barriers to learning and supporting students in the classroom. School counselors focus on providing short-term solution focused interventions, such as social skills groups and check in/check out. School counselors do not provide long term counseling or therapy within the school setting. 

Helpful Links & Resources 

  • GoCPS - High School Applications
  • SchooLinks - CPS Post Secondary Curriculum for 6-8th