As you explore careers in mental health, you might consider working in the education space—as a school counselor or guidance counselor, for instance.

The guidance counselor vs school counselor conversation is nuanced; while both of these professionals support student success, they typically have different scopes of practice and roles on campus.

In this guide, we will explore the differences between school counselor vs. guidance counselor to help you understand both careers (and what it takes to succeed in these positions).

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What Does a Guidance Counselor Do?

Guidance counselors work in a variety of educational settings, perhaps most commonly in K-12. They support overall student success in their day-to-day roles, which include:¹

• Academic counseling – Guidance counselors help students plan their academic tracks, choose courses within the school curriculum, and chart a path toward their future.
• Career planning – Depending on the age of their students, many guidance counselors help students plan and prepare for a career after graduation. Counselors may connect students with part-time work, training, internship, or apprenticeship opportunities while they are still in school.
• Support for struggling students – Whether they’re struggling with behavior, academic performance, challenges at home, or social difficulties, guidance counselors can help students overcome hurdles and meet their goals, often working closely with families.

What Does a School Counselor Do?

School counselors, on the other hand, are more focused specifically on students’ emotional, behavioral, and mental health needs.

So, what do school counselors do? These on-campus mental health professionals primarily help students with:

• Conflict resolution – Whether a student is struggling to connect with a teacher, a peer, or a parent, a school counselor can help them navigate complex relationships and address conflicts.
• Personal development – Students have unique challenges and needs. School counselors assess these needs, help students make plans to address them, and support students as they put these plans into action.
• Crisis intervention – During mental health crises, school counselors lend their expertise to help students return to a healthy mental state.

Wondering how to become a school counselor in California? In California, and across the United States, school counselors typically complete relevant school counselor programs to prepare for this career.

Key Differences Between Guidance Counselors and School Counselors

There is a primary difference between guidance counselors vs school counselors:

• Guidance counselors typically focus on academic performance and career readiness.
• School counselors usually provide emotional and psychological support for students.

While both of these professionals support students with one-on-one and group meetings, they may have different roles within school leadership. Licensed school psychologists, for instance, may help school administrators develop programs and policies designed to support positive mental health outcomes. Guidance counselors, on the other hand, may help organize events and programs related to course selection, career preparedness, or community service opportunities.

In addition, both of these positions may need to communicate with students’ parents or guardians. However, school counselors (who use a more objective approach to address student mental health) may also need to communicate with students’ healthcare professionals.

Can One Professional Be Both?

Can you be both a guidance counselor and a school counselor? In some cases, yes. If you’re interested in filling both of these roles in the school environment, consider:

• Educational requirements – Closely review your state’s requirements for each position. You may have to complete distinct educational programs or pursue licensure.
• School structures – Depending on how school faculties are structured in your area, there may always be a separate guidance counselor and school counselor at each campus. However, smaller schools may combine these roles into one position.
• Workload – According to the American School Counselor Association, the ideal caseload for a guidance counselor is 250 students.² Depending on your ideal work environment, you simply may not have the bandwidth to support students’ academic success, career preparation, and in-depth mental health development.

Which Career Path is Right for You?

So, which should you choose—school counselor or guidance counselor?

• School counselors are devoted to student mental health development—they are explicitly mental health professionals. While they may contribute to school policies and help foster a healthy, positive school culture, they are primarily focused on helping students meet their individual mental health, social, and behavioral goals.
• Guidance counselors are primarily tasked with helping students select and manage their courses, prepare for a career after graduation, and engage with the educational environment. Guidance counselors also contribute to a positive school-wide environment, but their day-to-day focus is on students’ academic success.

To best serve students, school counselors need to master skills related to:

• Child mental health approaches
• Emotional support
• Mental health assessment and treatment
• Behavioral management

Guidance counselors, on the other hand, are experts in:

• Academic track planning
• Career preparation
• Course scheduling
• Academic development

No matter which career you choose, you will have the opportunity to work with students and help them achieve their goals.

Discover More Opportunities at Alliant

The school counselor vs. guidance counselor distinction is critical for future professionals to understand. While the former is focused on student mental health, the latter is primarily devoted to students’ academic success and career readiness.

In either discipline, you will need a solid educational foundation. Turn to Alliant International University—the home of innovative, hands-on credentialing courses and graduate programs for prospective educational counselors.

Learn more about our school counseling programs and apply today.

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Sources: 

1. “Guidance Counselor Job Description: Top Duties and Qualifications.” Indeed. January 13, 2025. https://www.indeed.com/hire/job-description/guidance-counselor. Accessed January 17, 2025.
2. “The Role of the School Counselor.” American School Counselor Association. 2023. https://www.schoolcounselor.org/getmedia/ee8b2e1b-d021-4575-982c-c84402…. Accessed January 17, 2025.