This information serves as a consent for your child’s participation in the counseling services at Union Prep Academy. The authorization shall be valid during the time of the student’s enrollment.
Union Prep Academy offers a school counseling program for all students. The counseling program targets assisting students with academic, developmental, social, and personal concerns. Students may schedule an appointment, be referred by school personnel or parent. The counselor provides school counseling, not psychotherapy. The counselor can provide consultation for parents regarding their student, as well as referrals to community agencies and professionals in private practice.
Communication between student and counselor are, in general, confidential. However, there are times when, in the professional judgement of the counselor and administrators, it is wise to use a team approach to better serve the student. This may include working closely with parents/guardians, and teachers in coordinating recommendations for students and families that require short-term or extensive help through a referral. Therefore, Union Prep requires that student’s that participate in the counseling program agree that the counselor may disclose confidential communications if the counselor, in professional judgment, concludes that disclosure would be in the best interest of the student. Examples may include: (1) Sharing of information with the student’s teacher in order to support the student’s academic performance or (2) Sharing information with the student’s parents/guardians in the event the counselor believes the student’s health is at risk. These are simply examples and there may be other situations, that in the professional judgment of the counselor, require disclosure.
Additionally, state and federal laws require school counselors to report possible child abuse or neglect. A counselor may also disclose communications, if there is reasonable cause to believe that disclosure is necessary to avert clear and present danger to the health, safety, or welfare of the student or other persons in the school community or when the student indicates that a crime involving the likelihood of personal injury or significant property losses has been committed.
Throughout the year, the UPA school counseling program may offer groups/lunch bunch for student participation. Unlike individual counseling, groups/lunch bunch consists of a few students who meet together with the school counselor on a regular basis to address specific concerns, topics, or developmental challenges and to support each other. In group sessions, the counselor supports students, facilitates and leads members through discussions and activities designed to support the group’s goals.
If you would like to opt out of Union Prep Academy Counseling Services, please send an email to:
Kind regards,
Elrita Curry
School Counselor