The Distinct and Collaborative Roles of School Counselors and Outside Therapists
This presentation explores the complementary yet distinct roles of school counselors and outside therapists in supporting student well-being and academic success. School counselors, embedded within the educational system, provide short-term, solution-focused interventions, academic guidance, and crisis management. Their accessibility makes them a primary resource for addressing students' social-emotional needs, handling peer conflicts, and supporting academic planning. However, due to time constraints and large caseloads, school counselors often refer students with more complex mental health needs to outside therapists. These external mental health professionals deliver long-term, specialized care using evidence-based interventions, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and trauma-focused therapy, addressing conditions like anxiety, depression, and trauma.
The presentation also highlights the importance of collaboration between school counselors and outside therapists to promote holistic student support. Effective communication and coordination allow for consistent intervention strategies, improved student outcomes, and more comprehensive care. Research findings on the impact of school-based mental health services, including reduced behavioral issues, increased academic performance, and enhanced emotional resilience, will be discussed. By examining real-world case studies, this presentation emphasizes the need for seamless collaboration between school-based and external mental health providers to foster student well-being and success.
https://nefesh.org/workshops/Psychologyin/viewFREE WEBINAR
Psychology in Schools:
The Distinct and Collaborative Roles of School Counselors and Outside Therapists
Wednesday, July 23, 2025, 1:00 PM EDT - 2:00 PM EDT
Presenter: Evan Kroll, Ph.D.
Course Length: 1 Hour
Learning Objectives:
- Describe the impact of school-based and external psychological interventions on students’ academic performance, emotional well-being, and social functioning.
- Identify cultural, religious, and ethical challenges specific to providing psychological services in yeshiva or faith-based school settings.
- Differentiate between the responsibilities and limitations of school-based and external mental health professionals
- Apply strategies for fostering effective communication and collaboration between school-based staff and outside therapists to support student care.
This workshop Offers 1 Live Interactive Continuing Education Credits
This presentation explores the complementary yet distinct roles of school counselors and outside therapists in supporting student well-being and academic success. School counselors, embedded within the educational system, provide short-term, solution-focused interventions, academic guidance, and crisis management. Their accessibility makes them a primary resource for addressing students' social-emotional needs, handling peer conflicts, and supporting academic planning. However, due to time constraints and large caseloads, school counselors often refer students with more complex mental health needs to outside therapists. These external mental health professionals deliver long-term, specialized care using evidence-based interventions, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and trauma-focused therapy, addressing conditions like anxiety, depression, and trauma.
The presentation also highlights the importance of collaboration between school counselors and outside therapists to promote holistic student support. Effective communication and coordination allow for consistent intervention strategies, improved student outcomes, and more comprehensive care. Research findings on the impact of school-based mental health services, including reduced behavioral issues, increased academic performance, and enhanced emotional resilience, will be discussed. By examining real-world case studies, this presentation emphasizes the need for seamless collaboration between school-based and external mental health providers to foster student well-being and success.
Learning Objectives:
- Describe the impact of school-based and external psychological interventions on students’ academic performance, emotional well-being, and social functioning.
- Identify cultural, religious, and ethical challenges specific to providing psychological services in yeshiva or faith-based school settings.
- Differentiate between the responsibilities and limitations of school-based and external mental health professionals
- Apply strategies for fostering effective communication and collaboration between school-based staff and outside therapists to support student care.
Agenda:
The Growing Need for Psychological Support in Yeshivas/Schools 5-10 Minutes Â
The Role of School Psychologists and Counselors  (20 Minutes)Â
- Academic Support
- Social-Emotional Support
- Crisis Interventions
- Referrals and Coordination
- Common Conflicts and Challenges
The Role of Outside Therapists (20 Min)Â
- Clinical Mental Health Treatment:
- Specialized Interventions
- Confidentiality and Consent
Importance of Collaboration (10 Minutes)Â
- Shared Goals:
- Communication Channels
- Coordinated Interventions
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This presentation is open to:
- Social Workers
- Professional Counselors
- Therapists
- Psychologists
- Licensed Mental Health Practitioners
- Medical Doctors and Other Health Professionals
- Other professionals interacting with populations engaged in mental health based services
- New practitioners who wish to gain enhanced insight surrounding the topic
- Experienced practitioners who seek to increase and expand fundamental knowledge surrounding the subject matter
- Advanced practitioners seeking to review concepts and reinforce practice skills and/or access additional consultation
- Managers seeking to broaden micro and/or macro perspectives
Participants will receive their certificate electronically upon completion of the webinar and course evaluation form.
- NEFESH International, Inc. is recognized by the New York State Education Department's State Board for Psychology as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed psychologists #PSY-0116.
- NEFESH International is recognized by the New York State Education Department's State Board for Mental Health Practitioners as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed marriage and family therapists #MFT-0046
- NEFESH International is recognized by the New York State Education Department's State Board for Mental Health Practitioners as an approved provider of continuing education for Mental Health Counselor #MHC-0082
- NEFESH International is recognized by the New York State Education Department's State Board for Social Work as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed social workers #SW-0048.
- CE You! is an approved sponsor of the Maryland Board of Social Work Examiners for continuing education credits for licensed social workers in Maryland.
CE You! maintains responsibility for this program.