Frequently Asked Questions: General Questions for Counseling Protocols 
Questions 



​​Can I email the principal or teachers?


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​​Should I follow the teachers best counseling times?
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​Can I run a group or do a parent presentation?

I do not speak Spanish, should I decline this referral?


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Someone from another agency contacted me because they want to talk about a student I see, can I give them information?

The student told me not to tell his parents that he is cutting, should I inform parents or respect the student's choice?

​Can I see siblings?
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How will I know the online Informed Consent was submitted by the parent?

The principal asked me to see this student but I cannot do it on this day, what should I do?

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Parent gave me verbal consent, but has not sent written consent, can I go ahead and see the student?


​Parent or Faculty member referred student, but the student does not want counseling. What should I do?

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​I am taking over for (previous counselor), do I have to get consent again since the previous counselor already did?





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​A teacher is asking for counseling, what should I tell them?

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​Do I have to document email or text communication with parent/student in TheraNest?


I spoke with a teacher who referred a student. Do they have to fill out the referral form or is the verbal referral sufficient?


​If a teacher asks me “who is on my caseload?”, should I disclose that information to them? Or if they ask me, “who am I seeing in his/her classroom?” What should I tell them?


​When completing a wellness check with a parent , if he/she self-refers, can I provide counseling to the parent without providing counseling to his/her child/children?

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​When a staff member is referring a student but chooses to stay anonymous, what should I tell the parent if they ask me where the referral came from?

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​If my co-counselor is not being responsive to my communication attempts over important matters of the school and/or client, what should I do?



When and how should I disclose a students reported self-injuring behavior to a parent or care giver?
Answers 



​Yes, but please keep email communication limited as it is not a safe and confidential means of communication. For example, Email/text is great for scheduling. 


​Yes, however, it is a good idea to let them know that you will do your best but also appreciate their flexibility. If they have something important scheduled, like a test, then you will definitely work around that.


Yes, please present your ideas/plan to your FSP for approval.

​No, please accept and reach out for translation support. One of our FSP's, Marilyn, speaks Spanish, and we have Spanish speaking counselors who are also happy to help and some of your school point people may be able to assist as well.
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In order to speak to any outside party re your client, you will need a consent to exchange information release signed by the student's parent/legal guardian.


​Every case is different and lots to consider, such as age, how often this is happening, triggers, etc. Please check in with your FSP.


​Yes!

Your FSP will receive the consent and email it to you. Then you will upload it to Clinical Documents in TheraNest. 

​If it is your CPLA work day, please assess to make sure the student is not in crisis. If not, then you can let the principal know that you will check in ASAP and give them an approximate day. Should be your following work day or check in with co-counselor to see if they can do sooner.


Yes, verbal consent is sufficient to move forward, but best practice would be to secure a signed consent. Document in TheraNest that you have received verbal consent. 

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​We do not force counseling, but I like to encourage 3-5 sessions (depending on concerns) and let the student know they can decide after. If the student is younger, then we could discuss this with parent and work together. Sometimes just a couple of sessions makes the student feel safe and understand how they can benefit from support of a CPLA counselor.
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Yes, every time you are seeing a new client, you should obtain Informed Consent as it is covering the academic year that you are at the school. Regardless if they have a history with CPLA Counseling. Informed Consents are valid for up to a year but standard practice is that every counselor obtain an Informed Consent while under THEIR caseload.




If you feel like a teacher would need more ongoing support,  please refer teachers to our teacher counseling program ([email protected]).


It is good practice to document any communication exchange. Email/text should be limited exchange and can be documented in contact log.




​A verbal referral is sufficient.



Yes, it is ok for teachers to know. Teachers may also have helpful information about the student that can help you in your work with the student. 


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We do want to support the parents. You can involve the parent through Parent Consultations in efforts to help support your client's treatment goals. However, if it is clear that the parent needs their own individual therapy, we can provide outside resources or refer to your FSP for ongoing support (if they have availability).
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Before speaking with the parent, it would be great to contact the teacher first to find out why they want to remain anonymous. You can encourage them to speak to the parent and explain their reason for referral as it can be a better way to work together as a team. Allowing the student and family know who made the referral will demonstrate their concern and the collaboration between CPLA and the school.


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​Contact your FSP and inform them of your multiple attempts.



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​If the student discloses self-harming behavior at any time, connect with your FSP and they will guide you.  ​Be sure to discuss this client and this issue at your next supervision. 

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