Common Issues in School Counseling

Substance Abuse Issues Adolescence is a time period in which individuals often

experiment with drugs and alcohol.
80% of high school seniors have used alcohol
46% have used marijuana
8% have used cocaine
(Erford, 2014)

Mental Health Issues Mental health issues can include depression, anxiety,
eating disorders, PTSD and suicide or homicide ideation.
Career Issues Decision making regarding course scheduling and life
after high school ( career, military, higher education,
training programs)
Academic Issues Failing grades, scheduling needs, accommodations for
learning needs
Social/Behavioral Issues Peer pressure, conflict resolution, sexuality, decision
making

Common Treatments Available:

Substance Abuse Issues 12 step Program such as Alcoholics Anonymous
Prevention Programs
SAP
Mental Health Issues Inpatient/hospital based treatment
Residential treatment
Partial hospitalization
Intensive outpatient treatment
Outpatient treatment
Career Issues Assessment Inventories (System of Interactive Guidance and
Information-Plus, DISCOVER)
Interest Inventories
Occupational Information (O*NET, Occupational Outlook Handbook)
Personality tests
Academic Issues Peer tutoring
Progress reports and monitoring
Team meetings with teachers, parents, and counselors
Social/Behavioral Issues Peer mediation
Small group meetings teaching coping skills
Classroom activities teaching assertiveness, coping skills,
appropriate social interactions, etc