As you explore career opportunities in the education and mental health spaces, you might wonder: What does a school counselor do?

School counselors support overall student success. They help students achieve their academic goals, address emotional and mental health challenges, and thrive in the school environment—to name just a few of their roles.

We break down all of these responsibilities and more in this guide to school counseling. For an in-depth look at the day-to-day roles of a school counselor, read on.

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What is the Role of a School Counselor?

So, what do school counselors do?

They essentially have two main areas of focus:

• Academic support and guidance – School counselors may help students plan their academic tracks, choose courses, and address learning challenges that keep them from excelling.
• Social and emotional support – School counselors are mental health professionals first; so, they also help students navigate social issues, mental health concerns, and issues related to personal development.

Overall, school counselors are focused on helping students reach their potential while they’re in school—a critical phase of development that can lay the foundation for success in adulthood.

Key Responsibilities of a School Counselor

School counselors take on tasks like:

• Individual counseling and group sessions – Counselors may provide one-on-one counseling to struggling students, arrange group sessions for students facing similar challenges, or connect students with mental health resources outside of the school environment.
• Crisis intervention – During student mental health crises, school counselors address immediate emotional challenges, help regulate students, and keep them safe during difficult situations.
• Administrative support – In many cases, school counselors consult on school policies and initiatives to support student mental health campus-wide.

Collaboration with Teachers, Parents, and Administrators

School counselors do not work alone. Instead, they are key members of teams that work together to support students’ needs.

School counselors primarily collaborate with:

• Teachers and staff – To help individual students succeed and create a supportive learning environment, school counselors work closely with instructional staff and administrators.
• Parents and guardians – Whether students are contending with problems at home or need additional support outside of school hours, school counselors often must reach out to students’ parents or guardians.  

Required Education and Training for School Counselors

While requirements vary depending on your state, prospective school counselors should expect to complete:¹

• An undergraduate degree program
• A graduate program 
• Internships with supervised work
• State licensing requirements (if applicable), including exams
• Continuing education or additional credentials

While future school counselors should consider pursuing an undergraduate degree in a relevant field, they should pay especially close attention to their choice of graduate program. To qualify for licensure, many states require counselors to complete graduate degrees in specific disciplines—like a school counseling degree. Explore our in-depth guide on becoming a school counselor in California to ensure you’re prepared for the program.

School Counseling Degree Program at Alliant

Looking for a flexible school counseling education that offers online courses, high-quality instruction, and next-level career readiness? The school counseling degree programs at Alliant International University offer all of these and more.

Our three unique tracks for prospective school counselors include:

• Credential in Pupil Personnel Services, School Counseling
• MAE in School Counseling with a Pupil Personnel Services Credential
• EdS in school counseling with a Pupil Personnel Services credential

Whether you’re just starting your educational track, looking to switch careers, or seeking professional development opportunities to enhance an already successful school counseling career, Alliant International University offers the tools you need to excel.

Challenges Faced by School Counselors

While rewarding, school counseling can be demanding. School counselors face unique challenges that require resilience, adaptability, and ongoing professional development. Common obstacles include:

• High Caseloads – Many school counselors manage large groups of students, which can make it difficult to provide individualized attention to every student.
• Emotional Toll – Dealing with students’ emotional and mental health crises can be draining, especially when resources or support are limited.
• Balancing Administrative Tasks – While focusing on students’ well-being, counselors may also be responsible for administrative duties like tracking student progress, coordinating with other staff members, and fulfilling reporting requirements.
• Crisis Management – During times of student crises or campus-wide emergencies, counselors are expected to be on the front lines, which can be stressful and require quick thinking.
  Despite these challenges, many school counselors find the job to be deeply fulfilling because of the opportunity to make a significant, positive impact on students’ lives.

Benefits of Becoming a School Counselor

Becoming a school counselor can be highly rewarding:

• School counselors have a firsthand look at students’ progress—and they get to contribute to that positive momentum.
• Careers in education offer opportunities to help shape the future. By advocating for the students of today, education professionals can support a brighter tomorrow.
• As adolescent mental health challenges continue, school counselors can be a part of the solution.²

Simply put, school counselors have the potential to positively impact individual students’ lives, entire campus cultures, and the future of society at large.

Career Advancement Opportunities for School Counselors

School counselors have various opportunities to advance their careers and make an even larger impact in the field of education. Some options include:

• Specialization in areas like college counseling or career guidance - Counselors may choose to focus on specific student needs, such as helping students with college admissions or career exploration.
• Leadership roles - School counselors can move into leadership positions within schools, such as becoming a counseling department head or a director of student services.
• Further education and certifications - Pursuing additional certifications or degrees, such as a PhD in Education, can open doors for more advanced roles, including becoming a school counseling supervisor or educator.

These avenues allow counselors to diversify their skills, gain new experiences, and enhance their influence on education systems.

Start Your Journey Today

If you’re interested in making an impact on students’ lives—through academic planning, career prep, mental health support, and more—consider a career as a school counselor. Getting started is simple, especially when you enroll in a degree program at Alliant International University.

With curricula curated by seasoned school counselors and educators, hands-on learning opportunities, and connections to internships and career training, our programs are designed to set future school counselors up for success.

Request information about our school counseling programs now.

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Sources: 

1. “How to Become a Guidance Counselor in 6 Steps (With Salary).” Indeed. July 30, 2024. https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/how-to-become-a…. Accessed January 17, 2025. 
2. “Mental Health.” US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. November 29, 2024. https://www.cdc.gov/healthy-youth/mental-health/index.html. Accessed January 17, 2025.