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Dear WBE Students and Families,
Even though we're not physically at school, I'm still here for you and your child/children. During this time, I know it can be difficult navigating our new (but temporary) norm. You are not alone!If your child would like to have a video chat counseling session with me, regarding specific topics, please click on the link below. Confidentiality requirements still apply to online counseling sessions, which I will discuss with you and your child further when I reach out to you via email or phone.
Before you submit this referral, please read the following:
Confidentiality and Informed Consent – “Seeing” the School Counselor Online
What is confidentiality?
Confidentiality is keeping information discussed between the student and the school counselor (or the parent and the school counselor) private.Confidentiality is vital to the student-counselor relationship. Obviously, we cannot completely ensure confidentiality in an online setting, but we have to attempt to maintain it even when we meet virtually rather than face-to-face.
What are some things parents can do to preserve confidentiality online?
- Allow the student to move the computer to a private space for the duration of the meeting.
- Provide student with headphones with a microphone.
- Turn on white noise to keep others from being able to overhear.Are there times when the school counselor will break confidentiality?
Yes, there are certain instances when the school counselor is required to report confidential information, such as:
- When a student reports someone is hurting them
- When a student reports they are hurting someone else
- When a student reports they are hurting themselves
- With the student’s permission (often something that is uncomfortable for the student but useful for a parent or teacher to know)What is informed consent?
Informed consent is the permission given to the school counselor to talk to a student with the understanding of the benefits and risks.How do school counselors get informed consent in an online setting?
When parents complete the Microsoft form requesting Ms. Harris to reach out to their child, they are allowing the counselor to provide online counseling services. When a student joins a virtual meeting, they are opening a line of communication.Please note that school counselors do not provide “therapy.” Referrals for outside counseling services are available for children experiencing non-school related issues or problems requiring long-term counseling.
Feel free to have this form pulled up with your child, so that you can fill it out together.
Please click on this link below to fill out request to see Ms. Johnson:
I look forward to seeing you!
Sincerely,
Ms. JohnsonYou can schedule an appointment to meet with the counselor by clicking on the link below.
https://outlook.office365.com/owa/calendar/BurtonElementary@fortbend.onmicrosoft.com/bookings/