Counseling

The Bellarmine Counseling department provides individual counseling for students on a variety of issues. The assigned Class Counselor stays with the members of the class through freshman, sophomore, and junior years, and is available in senior year. Students can personally request help from either their counselor or from any other counselor with whom they feel most comfortable. Students can also be referred by parents, teachers, or other staff members for confidential services. All the counselors on staff have graduate level training in counseling, and extensive experience with adolescents and the issues and challenges that face teen-age boys today, such as: stress, relationship issues, sexuality, substance use and abuse, family issues, grief and loss, or anxiety and depression. Counselors meet with each of their counselees at least once a semester to assess how the student is doing academically, to assist with class scheduling, and provide advice about study and organizational skills. When necessary, Counselors also help students to mediate conflicts with teachers, to offer support and guidance as appropriate, and to develop a supportive relationship. Confidentiality is adhered to strictly.*

Students and parents are encouraged to make contact with the appropriate counselor at any time, with any concern of an academic or personal nature. The sooner issues or potential issues are identified, the faster remedies can be developed and enacted. Meetings with a counselor can be scheduled as necessary. If an issue that arises seems to need more help than the counselor can provide, referrals will be made to appropriate licensed professionals in the community.

* Confidentiality between student and counselor is strictly adhered to. Exceptions to this rule do exist, as spelled out by California state law governing mandated reports. Exceptions include reporting of child abuse and neglect, and danger to self and others.