The Counseling Department at Saint Thomas Aquinas Regional Catholic High School would like to communicate their policies and procedures that are based on The American School Counselor Association (ASCA) National Model used for School Counselors developing Counseling Programs in their schools (http://ascamodel.timberlakepublishing.com/files/ExecSumm.pdf).  The counselors are here to serve the needs of our students in the most efficient way possible. 

• All requests by students, faculty, staff, coaches, parents/guardians, and colleges/universities for any information (i.e. transcript, letter of recommendation, etc.) from the Counseling Department must be made through a Request of Information Form.  This form is located in the Counseling Department, front office, or electronically at http://www.stafalcons.org/counseling.  We want to be easily accessible to all students, teachers, coaches, and parents.  Feel free to select the most convenient method for your needs.
• All referrals by students, faculty, staff, coaches, and parents/guardians (either self or the referral of another) must be made through a Referral Form.  This form is located in the Counseling Department, front office, or electronically at http://www.stafalcons.org/counseling.  These forms must be submitted in a sealed envelope and placed in the counselor’s mailbox to ensure confidentiality.  We want to be easily accessible to all students, teachers, coaches, and parents.  Feel free to select the most convenient method for your needs.

Parents/Guardians:  Should you need to schedule a meeting with your student’s counselor, please complete the Referral Form. 

• Counselor Contact.  Personal cell phone numbers of the counselors should never be distributed to any client (parent or student).  In case of an emergency, the principal will contact the counselor.
• Counselor Door Messages.  Please understand that the “DO NOT DISTURB” door message indicates that no one should knock on the door unless it is an emergency/crisis.  It also indicates that the counselor is in a meeting or with a student.  Feel free to fill out a Request of Information Form or Referral Form in the office and drop into your counselor’s drop box located on the door or submit it electronically using the office computers.
• Crisis.  A crisis is defined by a student who is suicidal, homicidal, or suspected abuse seems apparent.  A student should not be allowed to leave class to see a counselor unless a crisis occurs or an emotional disturbance during class.  If a crisis occurs while the counselors are out of the office, seek administration.

Teachers/Coaches/Parents:  Should a student need to visit their counselor for any non-crisis issue, please advise students to complete a Request of Information Form or Referral Form in the office or online.  This will ensure that the counselors meet their needs in a timely manner.

• Confidentiality.  Material revealed in counseling will remain strictly confidential except under the following circumstances in accordance with state law:

1) The client signs a written release of information indicating informed consent of such release,

2) The client expresses intent to harm him/herself or someone else,

3) There is a reasonable suspicion of abuse/neglect against a minor child, elderly person (60 or older), or a dependent adult, or

4) A court order is received directing the disclosure of information.

It is our policy to assert privileged communication on behalf of the client and the right to consult with the client if at all possible, except during an emergency, before mandated disclosure. I will endeavor to apprise clients of all mandated disclosures as conceivable.  In the event of marriage or family counseling, material obtained from an adult client individually may be shared with the client's spouse or other family members only with the client's written permission. Any material obtained from a minor client may be shared with the client's parent or guardian at the counselor’s discretion.

• Outside Referrals.  School Counselors make referrals when necessary or appropriate to outside resources for student and/or family support. Appropriate referrals may necessitate informing both parents/guardians and students of applicable resources and making proper plans for transitions with minimal interruption of services. Students retain the right to discontinue the counseling relationship at any time.