School Counselors provide emotional and social support to all students, specifically in areas of:

• Goal Setting
• Individual Counseling
• Group Counseling
•  Peer Mediation
• Crisis Intervention
• Coping Strategies
   

School counselors do not provide therapy or long-term counseling in schools. However, they are prepared to recognize and respond to mental health needs and to assist students and families seeking resources. Students in need of therapy or long-term counseling may be referred to outside agencies. Family & Children’s Services and CREOKS may be available to provide services on site to students who qualify.

Suicide

If you or someone you know are feeling depressed, hopeless or are having suicidal thoughts it is important to share those feelings with a counselor, administrator or other adult immediately. Reports can be made in person or by using Safe Schools Alert. 

COPES (918-744-4800) and the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (800-273-8255) are also available 24 hours a day in the event that you or a friend need assistance during a time that school is not in session. If someone’s life is in imminent danger, please call 911.

Warning signs of depression/suicidal ideation:
 
•    Withdrawing from friends and family
•    Loss of interest in activities
•    Sudden mood swings
•    Loss of energy
•    Eating/Sleeping too much or too little
•    Change in academic/work performance
•    Change in hygiene/appearance 
•    Statements such as, “Nobody cares about me” or “I can’t take it anymore.”
•    Aggressive behavior 
•    Use of drugs/alcohol

Teen Pregnancy/Parenthood

Counselors are here to support students who have or are expecting a child. Sharing this information will enable counselors to assist students academically in addition to providing community resources, such as the (link to) Parents as Teachers Program.

Confidentiality

All students have the right to privacy and confidentiality when speaking with their school counselor. However, confidentiality may be broken if safety is a concern for the student. Exceptions to confidentiality are as follows:
•    Student is a danger to self or others
•    Student has been harmed or is in fear of being harmed
•    Court ordered disclosure