The GDS school counselors’ primary responsibility is to provide social and emotional support and guidance for the entire school community, while promoting a positive and supportive environment for learning, social responsibility, and child and adolescent development. We are guided by the beliefs that everyone in our community should feel valued and have a sense of belonging. We believe everyone should be treated with dignity and that equity—ensuring that individuals get what they need—must be central to our work. Ultimately, we seek to partner with and empower the students, families, and faculty with whom we work so that they may thrive in school and life.

Our Ongoing Work

GDS counselors work with students individually and in groups. Additionally, we partner with families, teachers, administrators, student support team members (including learning specialists, nurses, and others), and outside mental health professionals. We work with others to help provide comprehensive and consistent service and support for students and to address mental health needs that arise. 

On a day-to-day basis, GDS counselors provide:

• Short-term counseling
• Mental health assessments 
• Ongoing support and coaching 
• Consultation with faculty and staff, parents, outside mental health professionals,  and others
• Advocacy for students and families
• Referrals to community mental health resources
• Division-specific services that include teaching classes, leading community activities, facilitating programs, and more.